Campaign Donation Returns

Election candidates are required under Victorian law to provide campaign donation returns. All candidates in Victorian local government elections must submit a return within 40 days of election day (5 December 2024). Submitting a campaign donation return is a legal requirement for all candidates, regardless of whether they were elected or received any donations. 

A campaign donation return is a record of donations or gifts, including in-kind support, during the donation period. Failure to submit a campaign donation return, or providing false or misleading information, may result in prosecution and fines exceeding $11,090 (as of 1 July 2022).

The return is supplied to candidates as a form, enabling candidates to fill in details of donations or gifts they have received above the $500 threshold, as applicable under section 306 of the Local Government Act 2020.

Candidates must also disclose if they have not received any donations or gifts.

For the summary of 2024 Election Campaign Donation Returns, please click here -Summary of 2024 Donations(PDF, 43KB)