Funding and disclosure

Pie chart showing the total paid to eligible political participants for the 2022-23 financial year. Data available in rich text.In the 2022–23 financial year, the VEC continued to build engagement and raise awareness of funding and disclosure requirements with reporting entities.

The 2022 State election was the first election to take place since new funding and disclosure laws were introduced in 2018, triggering a surge in political donations. Users registering on VEC Disclosures increased by more than 250% to a total of 2,016 donors and recipients.

The VEC published 1,841 donation disclosures totaling $4,382,173.63, of which 39% were disclosed by both the donor and recipient within the legislated 21-day timeframe. Recipients of political donations met their disclosure obligations more often than donors (49% compared to 28%). The VEC will explore this trend ahead of the 2026 State election and consider further opportunities for education and engagement with our stakeholders.

The VEC published 79 annual returns for financial year 2021–22. These returns are completed by a range of political entities including registered political parties, associated entities and third-party campaigners. They enhance the public transparency of political funding sources and recipients.

VEC staff worked closely with donors and recipients during the 2022 State election to help them meet their legal requirements. This included holding briefings for political party registered officers before the election to help them understand their obligations under the Electoral Act 2002. This constructive compliance regulatory approach seeks to educate and guide people about their obligations, instead of pursuing litigation as the first option.

During the reporting period the VEC paid a total of $20,327,550.16 to eligible political participants. These payments were made up of:

  • $1,939,923.43 in public funding to 14 parties and 31 independent candidates (including funding over- or underpaid before the State election)
  • $11,996,011.20 in advance public funding to 13 parties and 11 independent candidates (40% of entitlement in advance of the 2026 State election)
  • $64,313.46 in public funding to 3 parties and one independent candidate for the Narracan supplementary election
  • $6,177,111.65 in administrative expenditure funding to 15 parties and 5 independent elected members
  • $150,190.42 for policy development funding to 2 parties.

The VEC also recovered $1,124,034.34 in funding over-payments from last financial year.

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