AEC statement: Partially authorised electoral signage

The AEC has become aware of the widespread display of electoral signs that are partially authorised by ‘M Jonas, Melbourne Victoria’.  These partially authorised corflutes and signs attack a political party and Members of Parliament from that Party. 

The authorisation particulars are not compliant with the requirements of section 321D of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) because they do not include the individual’s full name and a full street address.

The partially authorised corflutes and signs are reported to have been displayed in at least four states including the Divisions of Chisholm, Hawke, Bendigo, Menzies in Victoria, the Divisions of Calare and Bennelong in New South Wales, the Division of Blair in Queensland and the Division of Boothby in South Australia.

The AEC has identified the individual responsible for the corflutes and signs from the partial authorisation and has obtained an undertaking from Morgan Jonas that he will cease distributing material that is not correctly authorised and will ensure that stickers are placed on all existing corflutes and signs. The AEC will continue to monitor compliance with this undertaking and if needed, consider our legal options.

The AEC is taking this step to raise awareness of the issue, noting the number of partially authorised signs displayed across a number of states, the rectification that Mr Jonas has agreed to undertake and the late stage in the election period. 

The AEC continues to monitor compliance with the authorisation requirements contained in section 321D of Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) and the Commonwealth Electoral (Authorisation of Voter Communication) Determination 2021 ahead of the election on 3 May 2025. These requirements are set out in the AEC’s Better practice guide.

We also want to remind voters to stop and consider the information they are consuming.