Caps on political donations to candidates in the upcoming local government elections are part of new electoral rules which came into effect at the start of this month.
Northern rivers council elections in September are expected to be fiercely contested, including by major political parties.
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) announced that new laws, to improve the integrity in the local government electoral process involved three main changes.
The caps on political donations, effective from 1 July, are $5,900 for any political donation for the benefit of a registered party or a group, and $2,600 for any political donation for the benefit of an unregistered party, elected member, candidate or third-party campaigner. More information
Regulation of third-party campaigners. Individuals and entities that incur more than $2,000 in electoral communication expenditure during the local government expenditure period for a local council election must be registered with the NSWEC and appoint an official agent. More information
Political parties to keep a campaign account. Political parties that incur electoral expenditure for a local council election must keep a campaign account. More information
Candidates should also remember that they must first register before accepting political donations or incurring electoral expenditure. More information
For more information go to www.elections.nsw.gov.au/fd. If you would like further help or advice phone 1300 022 011 or email [email protected].
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