Election funding

Entitlement to election funding

A candidate or Senate group is eligible for election funding if they obtain at least 4% of the formal 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. 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.

• Download the Election Funding Guide – 2016 federal election [PDF 279KB]