51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?

The Australian Electoral Commission is required to publish annual returns by political parties, political campaigners, associated entities, third parties and donors before the end of the first business day in February each year after the return is provided.

All political party, associated entity and donor returns from financial year 1998-1999 onwards and third party returns from financial year 2006-2007 onwards are available on the Transparency Register.

The Australian Electoral Commission is required to publish federal election returns by candidates before the end of 24 weeks after polling day. All candidate and Senate group returns from the 1996 federal election onwards  are available on the Transparency Register.

Sources: Part XX Commonwealth  Electoral Act 1918 (Compilation 68).

Australian Electoral Commission Financial disclosure overview, https://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/financial_disclosure/Overview.htm

The Australian Electoral Commission Transparency Register contains information about political parties, associated entities, political campaigners, third parties, donors, candidates and Senate groups registered with or recognised by the Australian Electoral Commission. The Transparency Register includes annual returns, election returns and election funding claims.

Source: The Transparency Register https://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/financial_disclosure/transparency-register/