Statement about High Court decision - Hopper & Anor v State of Victoria

Wednesday 22 April 2026

For immediate release

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Updated High Court statement

As the High Court of Australia has declared that Part 12 of Victoria's Electoral Act 2002 is invalid (Hopper v Victoria [2026] HCA 11), the VEC does not have a mechanism to make political funding payments, take compliance actions related to Part 12, or regulate and publish political donations.

The VEC remains committed to delivering a trusted democratic process for all Victorians. Transparency in political finance supports public trust and confidence in our electoral system.

We look forward to the passage of new legislation by Parliament to replace Part 12. In the meantime, we encourage all political parties, candidates, groups, associated entities and third-party campaigners to consider practices they might put in place that support transparency for all voters.