Lodging an election summary return

Lodging election summary returns

Disclosure returns ensure that transfers of money used to support election participants in a local government election are transparent. Both registered and unregistered third parties are required to lodge an election summary return.

In addition to reporting of gifts, loans, and electoral expenditure in real-time, election summary returns are required after a local government election. The election summary return is a summary of gifts and loans received and made and electoral expenditure incurred for the purposes of an election. Registered third parties must include a bank statement from their dedicated local campaign account. All other gifts and loans not disclosed in real-time must also be accounted for in the election summary return, which is due 15 weeks after election day.

Video overviews

• Election summary returns for local government participants

Links to further information:

• Fact sheet 14 – Election summary returns
• Fact sheet 34 – Real-time disclosure of electoral expenditure by third parties
• Fact sheet 35 – Real-time disclosure of gifts received by third parties