Statement of Reasons: 4Change

Updated: 2 November 2012

Approval of application from Climate Change Coalition to change its name to '4Change'

File reference: Reg3485, 07/1113

The delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission determined that the application by Climate Change Coalition (CCC) to change its registered name under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 should be accepted and 4Change be entered in the Register of Political Parties.

Background

On 22 September 2009, the AEC received an application from Climate Change Coalition (CCC) to change its registered name under the provisions of Part XI of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act). The new name sought was '4Change' and without any abbreviation.

The AEC conducted a series of tests usually undertaken as part of the initial consideration of an application and on 1 October 2009, the delegate of the AEC approved the advertisement of the CCC application.

Relevant legal provisions

The legal provisions relevant for an application to change the Register of Political Parties are in s4 and Part XI of the Electoral Act. An extract of the relevant provisions is available on the AEC website. The reader should consult this extract at the link provided to understand the legal provisions being applied in the tests below.

Application of relevant legal provisions

Application

The application satisfies the requirements in s134 of the Electoral Act, in that it was in writing, signed by three members of the party, stated the applicants' capacities and their street addresses and included the prescribed $500 application fee. The application meets all the technical elements required for an application to change a registered party's name and abbreviation.

The application passes this test.

Party name

The name '4Change' does not appear to be a name prohibited under s129(1) of the Electoral Act. It is not similar to any other registered or recognised political party name and does not breach any other provisions of the Electoral Act.

The application passes the names test.

Objections

The CCC application was advertised in the Commonwealth Gazette and newspapers circulating generally in each State and Territory on 7 October 2009 to permit interested persons or organisations to lodge an objection. No objections were received.

Conclusion

The application by the CCC was approved and the changes made to the Register of Political Parties.

Sue Sayer
Director Funding and Disclosure
Delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission

24 December 2009