45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?

Sections 205C and 206C, Electoral Act 1993, (amended 2023)
Subpart 1—Election expenses of candidates
205C Maximum amount of candidate’s total election expenses
(1) The total election expenses of a candidate in respect of any regulated period
must not exceed—
(a) $32,600 (or such other amount as is prescribed by the Governor-General by Order in Council under section 266A), in the case of a candidate at a general election; and
(b) $65,200 (or such other amount as is prescribed by the Governor-General by Order in Council under section 266A), in the case of a candidate at a by-election.
(2) The amounts in subsection (1) are inclusive of goods and services tax.

206C Maximum amount of party’s total election expenses
(1) If a party is listed in the part of the ballot paper that relates to the party vote,
the total election expenses of that party in respect of any regulated period must
not exceed—
(a) $1,388,000 (or such other amount as is prescribed by the Governor-General by Order in Council under section 266A); and
(b) $32,600 (or such other amount as is prescribed by the Governor-General by Order in Council under section 266A) for each electoral district contested by a candidate for the party
(2) If a party is not listed in the part of the ballot paper that relates to the party vote, the total election expenses of that party in respect of any regulated period must not exceed $32,600 for each electoral district contested by a candidate for the party.
(3) The amounts in subsections (1) and (2) are inclusive of goods and services tax.

However, the limits on total election expenses within the regulated period apply.