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Australian Electoral Commission
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A donation disclosure notice (DDN) is a formal notice to the AEC by the recipient. 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 made for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure or creating or communicating electoral matter.
A recipient is a person, entity or organisation who receives donations for a federal purpose. The responsible person for the following recipients is required to lodge a DDN:
A DDN must be lodged with the AEC if either or both of the following apply:
This means the recipients must monitor total donations received from donors during a calendar year against the disclosure threshold.
Recipients must also monitor total donations against the relevant gift caps.
DDNs must be lodged online or using the approved form, within the specified timeframe.
Yes, amendments can be made. If a recipient finds an error or omission, they can submit an amendment request using the approved amendment form.
The timing for a recipient to lodge a DDN depends on when the donation was received.
If a DDN is required in relation to a gift, the following timeframes apply:
| Period in the cycle when the gift is received | Disclosure notice timeframe |
|---|---|
| During the expedited notice period (7 days before and after polling day) | Within 24 hours |
| During an election period (writ issue to polling day UNLESS in the expedited period) | Within 7 days |
| Close to the start of the election period (donation received prior to issue of writ but DDN not yet lodged) | 13 days before polling day or 21st day of the calendar month following the month in which the gift was received, whichever is earliest |
| Any other time | By the 21st day of the next calendar month |
If the recipient is a registered charity when the donation is received
| Period in the cycle when the gift is received | Disclosure notice timeframe |
|---|---|
| After the start of an election period and before the Thursday prior to polling day | The Thursday prior to polling day or the 21st day of the calendar month that follows the calendar month the gift was received, whichever is earlier. |
| At any other time | By the 21st day of the next calendar month |
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.