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Political Donations & Expenditures

As of 1 September 2008, political donations or electoral expenditure of $1000 or more must be disclosed under the Election Funding and Disclosures Act 1981.

In accordance with Section 328A of the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to keep a Register of Donations and Expenditure by Councillors. Register donations here >>

To access this register, please contact Council's Help and Service Centre on 9777 1000.

What is a political donation?

Political Donations are gifts and contributions to a political party, councillor, member of Parliament, candidate or group of candidates in NSW.

Donations include money, services, gifts and tickets or other items at a fundraising event or function.

What is electoral expenditure?

Electoral expenditure is that which is used to promote or oppose a political party or candidate for the purpose of influencing votes. This includes advertising, rallies, travel and research.

What constitutes a political donation or gift?

A reportable political donation is a donation of:

  • $1,000 or more made to or for the benefit of the party, elected member, group or candidate; or
  • $1,000 or more made by a major political donor to or for the benefit of a party, elected member, group or candidate, or made to the major political donor; or

  • Less than $1,000 if the aggregated total of the donations made by the entity or person to the same party, elected member, group, candidate or person within the same financial year (ending 30 June) is $1,000 or more.

Political donations and development applications

A disclosure statement of a reportable political donation or gift must accompany a planning application or submission if the reportable donation or gift is made within 2 years before the application or submission is made. If the donation or gift is made after the lodgement of the application, a disclosure statement must be sent to the relevant consent pr approval authority within 7 days after the donation or gift is made.

For more information about political donations, expenditures and how to disclose this information, visit the website for the Election Funding Authority.

>> Register a political donation