2025 federal election writs

A writ is a formal instruction to the AEC to run an election.

The writs for all House of Representatives elections are signed and issued by the Governor-General in accordance with the Australian Constitution and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. This is also the case for Senate elections for the ACT and NT.

The writs for the Senate elections for each State are issued by State Governors.

The AEC is required to deliver the election in accordance with writs and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

It is not required. Not by electoral laws or the Constitution.

It has previously been stated by some that the absence of the Great Seal of the reigning British Monarch means that election writs are invalid, and by extension the election itself is invalid. This is incorrect. 

It is an offence under s 329 of the Electoral Act to publish information during the election period that is likely to mislead or deceive someone in relation to the casting of a vote.

House of Representatives writs

Senate writs

Advertising the receipt of writs

As required by the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the receipt of federal election writs is advertised by the AEC in newspapers circulating within each state and territory. The table below displays when these advertisements were placed.

Writ

Newspaper

Date published

New South Wales

Daily Telegraph

Wednesday 2 April 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Queensland

The Courier Mail

Wednesday 2 April 2025

South Australia

The Advertiser

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Australian Capital Territory

The Canberra Times

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Victoria

Herald Sun

Wednesday 2 April 2025

The Age

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Western Australia

The West Australian

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Northern Territory

Northern Territory News

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Tasmania

The Examiner

Wednesday 2 April 2025

The Advocate

Wednesday 2 April 2025

The Mercury

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Updated: 3 April 2025