Compliance and enforcement

Compliance program - financial disclosure

The AEC undertakes a regular program of compliance reviews that examines a sample of disclosure returns lodged with the AEC. See outcomes of compliance reviews.

The AEC can also undertake investigations relating to potential breaches of financial disclosure requirements based on information provided to the AEC or in the public domain. See investigations and other enquiries.

These reviews and investigations are initiated through the issue of a formal notice by an authorised officer of the AEC. A formal notice requires a person to provide documents and other evidence in a manner and at a place and time specified in the notice, however the AEC may also request other information not listed in the notice.

There is a legal obligation to comply with a notice issued under s 316 of the Electoral Act.

Further details about the compliance review process are provided in the Financial Disclosure Compliance Framework.

Financial Disclosure Compliance and Enforcement Policy

The purpose of the Financial Disclosure Compliance and Enforcement Policy is to:

• set out the approach the AEC takes to support compliance with the disclosure scheme; and
• outline enforcement actions.

Enforceable undertakings are published on the Transparency Register.

Reports

• Outcomes of compliance reviews
• Other specific disclosure matters considered by the AEC