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Australian Electoral Commission
Information in this media release may be out-dated.
Any new political party wanting to ensure they are registered in time for a federal election held on 14 September 2013 needs to lodge a fully completed party registration application by close of business Monday 13 May 2013 with the AEC.
Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn said the process for registering a political party takes a minimum of three months.
“If a party applies after Monday 13 May 2013 their application for registration will not be processed in time for the party to be registered by the AEC for a 14 September election.”
Only candidates standing for a registered party are able to have their approved party name or abbreviation on ballot papers for the federal election.
Party registration applications should be lodged in a format that fully meets the AEC guidelines as additional correspondence between the AEC and the party could delay the registration process.
Currently registered political parties wishing to change their party name (only) must lodge their application with the AEC by Monday 17 June 2013. Based on a 14 September election date, no changes to party names are acceptable on or after Monday 12 August 2013.
On 30 January 2013 the Prime Minister announced her intent to advise the Governor-General to issue writs for the federal election on Monday 12 August 2013. Once writs are issued, the Register of Political Parties will be frozen by the AEC until all writs have been returned.
Following the return of the writs, processing can continue on any registration applications held over.
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.