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Australian Electoral Commission
The nomination guide for candidates provides a thorough outline of the processes required to nominate as either an endorsed or unendorsed candidate.
Nominations for the Senate are made to the Australian Electoral Officer (AEO) for the state or territory.
Nominations for the House of Representatives are made to the Divisional Returning Officer for the division where the election is to be held. This also applies to by-elections.
For a general election the registered officer of a political party may make a 'bulk nomination' of all endorsed House of Representatives candidates within a particular state or territory. This allows all of a party's candidates to be nominated in one action. Nominations in this form must be made to the AEO for the appropriate state or territory and must be received 48 hours before the hour of nomination (see subsection 175(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918). Bulk nominations cannot be made for a by-election and all nominations must be lodged at the office of the Returning Officer.
Senate and House of Representatives candidates must pay a $2000 deposit with their nomination.
Each nomination for the Senate and the House of Representatives must be accompanied by a deposit paid by legal tender (cash), debit card, or a cheque drawn by a bank or other financial institution on itself. Cheques should be made out to the Australian Electoral Commission. Personal cheques cannot be accepted.
These deposits are returned if a candidate is elected, or gains more than 4% of the total first preference votes, or if the candidate is in a group of Senate candidates which polls at least 4% of the total first preference votes.
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.