Farrer by-election reminder: Donors & entities

With the Farrer by-election voting period having recently concluded, the AEC is reminding all disclosure entities and people that donated money or incurred electoral expenditure to review their disclosure obligations under electoral laws.

The AEC’s NSW State Manager Rebecca Main said that amounts donated or received during the by-election that are over the threshold of $17,300 must be disclosed as part of a specific by-election disclosure return.

“While the deadline for disclosure is not until 24 August 2026, it is critical that people understand the requirement and organise their records” Ms Main said.

“Financial disclosure requirements and timeframes are clearly outlined in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and in guides that are available on our website.”

Note: While financial disclosure reform legislation has passed parliament, it does not come into effect until 1 January 2027.

2025 federal election – non-disclosure

While the rate of financial disclosure returns furnished to the AEC for the 2025 federal election was over 99 per cent, there remain 10 individuals who have failed to meet their legal obligations. These individuals include the following candidates and donors from the 2025 federal election.

2025 Federal Election Disclosure Returns – non-disclosure list
Candidates	Donors
Madison Maree King	Waleed Ahmed
Jake Davis	Yong Yin
David Bradbury	Xiaoping Yang
Angela Marie Harper	Yangdai Sunhua
Nikhita Yamini Sahay
Tonya Lee Scott

Ensuring financial disclosure obligations are met is an important part of maintaining the integrity and transparency of Australia’s electoral processes. 

The AEC has endeavoured to take an educative approach to disclosure requirements with individuals who do not interact with these legal obligations often. This is part of the AEC’s regulatory posture that takes a graduated approach to enforcement.

However, continued non-disclosure for an extended period beyond the disclosure deadline means that further action is now being pursued. Under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, non-disclosure can carry a penalty of up to 60 penalty units, or $19,800.

Non-disclosure for the 2024-25 annual returns (published in February 2026) is also being pursued. Further compliance correspondence has been sent to relevant individuals and entities this month.