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Australian Electoral Commission
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A donation disclosure notice (DDN) is a formal notice to the AEC by a donor.
A DDN provides details of donations above the disclosure threshold which are for a federal purpose, or certain other gifts, required to be disclosed under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act).
From 1 July 2026, the disclosure threshold is for amounts above $5,000. This amount of $5,000 is indexed on 1 January after a general election.
A donation has the same meaning as a gift under section 287AAB of the Electoral Act when the reforms commence on 1 July 2026. It may be a gift in kind, financial donation, or other benefit. It is a gift for a federal purpose when it is used, or intended to be used, for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure or creating or communicating electoral matter
A donor is any person, entity or organisation that donates for a federal purpose to any of the following:
When a person, entity or organisation donates more than the disclosure threshold in a calendar year a DDN must be lodged by the donor and the recipient.
A DDN must be lodged when either or both of the following apply:
The person, agent or entity that made the donation (the donor) lodges the DDN. Recipients have their own obligation to lodge a DDN. Please see: Fact sheet – Donor Disclosure Notices – Recipient.
A donor is responsible for monitoring their donations against the annual disclosure threshold and relevant gift caps.
DDNs must be lodged online or using the approved form within specified timeframes.
The timeframe for lodging DDNs begins once a gift for a federal purpose exceeds the threshold within a calendar year.
| Recipient | Gift is given during the expedited notice period or the election period in relation to: | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| During elections | During by-elections | Any other time | |
| Member of the House of Representatives, Senator, candidate | 7 days | 7 days | 21st day of the next calendar month |
| Registered political party | 7 days | 7 days - if the candidate is endorsed by the party | 21st day of the next calendar month |
| State branch of a registered political party | 7 days | 7 days - if the branch has/will incur electoral expenditure in relation to the by-election | 21st day of the next calendar month |
| Significant third party, third party (not registered as a charity) | 7 days | 7 days - if the recipient has/will incur electoral expenditure in relation to the by-election | 21st day of the next calendar month |
| Significant third party, third party (registered as a charity) | 21st day of next calendar month | 21st day of next calendar month | 21st day of the next calendar month |
These timeframes depend on:
Yes, amendments can be made. If a donor finds an error or omission, they can submit an amendment request using the approved amendment form.
The Electoral Act restricts receiving and using donations from a foreign donor in certain circumstances. Donors and recipients must be aware of these restrictions to remain compliant.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to provide general guidance only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice. Persons and entities should seek their own professional advice to find out how the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 applies to their particular circumstances. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has made every reasonable effort to provide current and accurate information, but it does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency, or completeness of that information. Parties who wish to re-publish or otherwise use the information on this page must check this information for currency and accuracy prior to publication.
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.