15. Is there a ban on state resources being given to or received by political parties or candidates (excluding regulated public funding)?

 The Federal government begun the procedure necessary to establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission in December 2018. Public consultations in respect of the proposed Commission are still ongoing as of Febuary 2020.   

Source: Attorny-General's Department, Commonwealth Integrity Commission, see  https://www.ag.gov.au/Consultations/Pages/commonwealth-integrity-commission.aspx

The lack of a ban on state resources being given or received by poltical parties or candidates generated debate in the community and parliament on the need for a Federal Anti-Corruption commission which could undertake invesgiations into any allegations of the misuse of state resources provided to political parties and candidates. in December 2018 the Government proposed the establishment of a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, however no provision was made for open hearings for matters that would involve Members of Parliament. Public submissions regarding this Commission closed in January 2020. 

Legislation to establih an Independent Commision Against Corruption with greater power and trasparency was  passed by the Australian Senate in September 2019, but rejected by the Coaltion government controlled House of Represntatives. 

Sources: 

Attorny-General's Department, Commonwealth Integrity Commission, see  https://www.ag.gov.au/Consultations/Pages/commonwealth-integrity-commission.aspx

 Senate votes to set up federal anti-corruption body. see  https://www.sbs.com.au/news/senate-votes-to-set-up-federal-anti-corruption-body