The rules governing authorisation requirements for electoral communications may change ahead of the next federal election, with the AEC opening public consultation on the Authorisation Determination.
The rules, known as the Authorisation Determination , determine the placement, format and language requirements for authorisation statements in advertising and other political communication for an election.
The current determination has been in place since 2021, servicing two federal elections, a federal referendum and several by-elections.
Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope emphasised the importance of ensuring the requirements were fit for purpose in the contemporary information environment.
“The nature of modern-day communication means it’s always changing, so it’s essential that authorisation requirements keep pace to reflect those developments,” Mr Pope said.
“We review the determination after each election to ensure the requirements continue to meet community expectations and support clear, transparent electoral communication. Feedback from political participants and members of the public is an important part of that review.”
“Anyone can contribute to this important element of regulation of electoral communication.”
“Authorisations play an essential role in ensuring voters are aware of who’s responsible for a piece of communication.”
While the AEC determines the specifics of authorisation requirements, broader provisions are outlined in the Electoral Act and determined by Commonwealth Parliament.
The 2021 changes saw updates that streamlined the requirements for the placement of the notifable particulars depending on the type of communication.
Public submissions for changes to the determination will be published on the AEC website and close on 12 October 2026.
For more information about the AEC’s current authorisation requirements, visit the AEC’s authorising electoral communications and compliance and enforcement actions webpages .
AEC TV: Authorisations explainer
