Election funding

Entitlement to election funding

A candidate or Senate group is eligible for election funding if they obtain at least 4% of the first preference vote in the division or the state or territory they contested. The amount to be paid is calculated by multiplying the number of votes obtained by the current election funding rate. The funding rate for the 2013 federal election is 248.800 cents per House of Representatives and Senate vote. This rate is indexed every six months to increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Amount paid

The amount of election funding payable is calculated by multiplying the number of first preference votes received by the rate of payment applicable at the time. The rate is indexed every six months in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index.

• Current public funding rate.

Payment of election funding

Election funding is paid automatically as soon as possible after the 20^th day following polling day. Any balance of entitlement will be paid following the conclusion of the count of votes.

Election funding guide

This reference guide provides information about the public funding of federal election campaigns.

• Election Funding Guide
• Election Funding Guide [PDF 260KB]