NSWEC | Political Parties FAQs

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Political Parties FAQs

We recommend our handbooks for detailed guidance on party registration and ongoing requirements. Political parties should also carefully consider the requirements of the Acts and seek their own independent legal advice where necessary, before submitting an application for registration.

How do we register a political party?

Registered political parties have certain obligations and entitlements. The application must be made by the Secretary of the party and all requirements for registration must be met to register and include a party in the NSW Electoral Commission Registers of Parties. Please make sure you have read the relevant handbook before completing an application form.

Registration to contest state elections

Political parties contesting a state election may choose to be a registered political party under the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912 No 41; it is not compulsory. Parties registered for state elections are automatically registered for local government elections.

Registration to contest local government elections

To contest a local government election as a political party the party must be registered under the Local Government Act 1993 No 30. Parties registered for state elections are automatically registered for local government elections.

Why register a political party?

The entitlements of registration include:

party affiliation printed below the endorsed candidate’s name on ballot papers
nomination of candidates through a party’s registered office or deputy registered officer
registration of election material (including how-to-vote cards) for distribution on election day
state registered parties may have access to copies, including electronic copies, of the electoral roll to be used for electoral purposes only
local government registered party access to the electoral roll - only available to the candidate of the area they have nominated for and after the close of nominations
state registered parties are eligible for election funding.

Which parties are registered for state elections?

Visit currently registered political parties for state government elections.

Which parties are registered for local government elections?

Visit currently registered political parties for local government elections.

How long before an election does a political party have to register?

Political parties applying for registration and intending to participate in either a state or local government election must be registered for 12 months prior to the close of nominations for that election.

What criteria have to be met to register a political party?

Current state registered parties are automatically qualified to contest local government elections.

To register to contest state government elections a party must:

have an acceptable name
have at least 750 members who are enrolled on the NSW electoral roll who are not also relied upon by another party for registration purposes
have a registered officer (details provided at time of application)
have a written constitution that sets out the platform or objectives of the party
make payment of the $2,000 registration fee.

To register to contest local government elections a party must have:

an acceptable name
at least 100 members who are enrolled on the NSW electoral role and not relied upon by another party for registration purposes
a registered officer
a written constitution that sets out the platform or objectives of the party.

What disclosures do parties make regarding funding and donations?

All registered parties should visit the Election Funding Authority for information about their election funding rights, responsibilities and obligations.

What is the register of political parties?

Legislation requires that a state and local government Register of Parties of registered political parties is maintained. Details include:

party name and address
abbreviation or acronym of the name
name, address and telephone number of the registered officer, deputy and secretary
list of members relied upon for registration purposes
declarations of party membership
party constitution that sets out the platform or objectives of the party
the party status of public funding for state election campaigns.

The registers are available to view by appointment at our office.

What are the reporting requirements to keep a political party registered?

Registered political parties are required to provide an annual return demonstrating their continued eligibility for registration by 30 June each year. There is no fee for the continued registration process.

We write to registered political parties to commence the continued registration process.

As part of this annual process, political parties are required to demonstrate they still have sufficient members to satisfy legislative requirements. If the registered officer of a party fails to comply with these requirements the Electoral Commissioner may cancel the registration of the party. The legislation requirements for the continued registration of political parties are contained in the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912 No 41 of the Local Government Act 1993 No 30.

How long does registration last?

Registration lasts 12 months and political parties are required to provide an annual return by 30 June each year.

If registered in NSW is my party automatically registered for other states and the Commonwealth?

No, each state and the Commonwealth have their own legal requirements to qualify political parties to contest elections under their jurisdictions. Contact the relevant electoral commission or office.