Annual returns for associated entities
An associated entity is a body that either:
- is controlled by one or more registered political parties (RPPs)
- operates wholly, or to a significant extent, for the benefit of one or more political parties
- is a financial member of a political party
- on whose behalf another person is a financial member of a political party
- has voting rights in a political party
or - on whose behalf another person has voting rights in a political party
Annual returns
An annual return is a summary of money received, spent, and owed by a political participant in a financial year. For associated entities the returns relates to your state campaign account. More information about state campaign accounts
We use annual returns to check that entities are complying with all funding and disclosure laws. This includes disclosing relevant political donations.
Division 3C of Part 12 of the Electoral Act 2002 (external link) outlines the annual return requirements.
Do I need to submit an annual return?
Yes. Your registered agent must complete an annual return for the associated entity regardless of whether the entity received any political donations or incurred any political expenditure.
Only information about your state campaign accounts is required. You may submit a nil return if you did not receive any donations or make political expenditure payments with this account. More information about state campaign accounts.
A return is required for the whole financial year. Newly formed entities only need to submit a return for the part of the financial year that you met any of the above criteria.
When are annual returns due?
20 October each year.
Submissions open 1 July each year.
How do I submit an annual return?
On VEC Disclosures. You need to set up an account before you can submit your return.
- Associated entity - annual return user guide (PDF, 1.4MB)
What information is required?
In relation to your state campaign accounts for the financial year (including GST):
- total income
- total disclosed political donations
- total undisclosed political donations (under the disclosure threshold)
- the number of undisclosed political donors for the total undisclosed political donations
- total amounts received other than political donations
- total expenditure
- outstanding debts
Your return must be audited and include a certificate of audit from an independent auditor.
The following information is also required to be lodged with, or as soon as possible after, the annual return:
- a loan, grant or donation statement under section 237 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth) (Fair Work (RO) Act)
- a general-purpose financial statement under section 253 of the Fair Work (RO) Act
- your financial statements under section 102 of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic)
- a financial report under section 319 or 320 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act).
Explanation of requirements
Audit requirements
Your return must be audited and include a certificate of audit from an independent auditor. This certificate must state that the return has been audited in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards as specified in s. 334(1) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
The certificate must state the auditor:
a) was given full and free access at all reasonable times to all accounts, records, documents and papers relating directly or indirectly to any matter required to be specified in the statement; and
b) examined the material referred to in paragraph (a) for the purpose of giving the certificate; and
c) received all information and explanations that the auditor requested in respect of any matter required to be specified in the statement; and
d) has no reason to believe that any matter stated in the statement is not correct.
You can use this audit certificate template (PDF).
Can the public see my annual return?
Yes. We are required to publish annual return summaries on VEC Disclosures by 31 December each year.
We do not publish donor addresses as they are confidential.
What happens if I don’t submit an annual return?
If you do not submit a return you may be fined.
The fine is 200 penalty units.
Can I get help to complete my annual return?
Yes. Follow this checklist (Word).
If you have any questions email disclosures@vec.vic.gov.au or call 131 832.