Overview

A third party for a local government election is an individual or an entity, based in or outside Queensland, which makes or receives gifts (donations) or loans to an election participant. A third party also includes individuals or organisations that incur electoral expenditure related to a local government election, such as paying for political advertising.

Third parties that incur more than $6,000 in electoral expenditure toward a local government election during the election’s capped expenditure period are required to formally register with the ECQ. All third parties (both registered and unregistered) have disclosure obligations for making and receiving gifts or loans. Registered third parties must also disclose all electoral expenditure incurred for a local government election.

Registered third parties have additional financial disclosure and reporting obligations and are required to operate a dedicated local government campaign bank account.

Please click on the tabs above to find out about the requirements for third parties and donors.

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