On this page

• Overview
• Funding amounts
• One-off payments
• Repayments

Overview

Administrative funding (formerly known as special assistance funding) is a form of public funding provided under Division 5 of the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act). It is paid as a half-yearly entitlement to eligible registered political parties and independent members of parliament to assist with the reimbursement of administrative expenditure.

Before the amendments introduced by the Electoral (Accountability and Integrity) Amendment Act 2024, public funding provided under Division 5 of the Electoral Act was known as special assistance funding. 

👉 View historical special assistance funding.

Purpose

Registered political parties and independent members of parliament may be eligible to receive administrative funding. This funding is to cover administrative expenses, including:

• Administration, operation or management of the activities of the party or member.
• Communication with members of the party on administrative, operational or management matters.
• Conferences, seminars, and meetings at which policies are discussed or formulated.
• Complying with the Act and auditing of financial accounts.
• Expenditure and remuneration of staff.
• Training of staff and volunteers.
• Equipment or vehicles whilst engaged in the matters referred to above.
• Office accommodation for staff and equipment.
• Expenditure on interest payments on loans.

Eligibility

• Parties with one or more members in the South Australian Parliament (House of Assembly or Legislative Council).
• Independent members of parliament

Use of funds

• Administrative funding must not be paid into a state campaign account.
• Administrative funding must not be used for political or electoral expenditure.
• Two or more registered political parties cannot rely on the same person for entitlement to, or payment of, administrative funding.

Who is not eligible

• Parties with no members in either the House of Assembly or Legislative Council.

How to apply

1. Complete the administrative expenditure funding application form within 30 days of the end of the period.
2. Return the completed form by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funding amounts

Payments are made twice a year (half-yearly) and are indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Payment structure

On this page:

• Definition of a nominated entity
• Eligibility
• Appointment and registration
• Revocation and removal
• Register of nominated entities

Definition 

A nominated entity is an organisation formally appointed by a registered political party to act on its behalf in relation to its financial or administrative activities.

Under the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act), each political party may appoint up to 2 nominated entities, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Act. These criteria relate to the entity's legal status, governance, and its formal relationship with the party.

Eligibility criteria

Under Division 2A of the Act, an organisation can only be appointed as a nominated entity if it meets the eligibility requirements. An entity is ineligible if any of the following apply.

• It is not an associated entity of the political party.
• It is already a nominated entity of another political party.
• The entity, or any of its officers (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001), has been convicted of offences under this Act or under Part 20 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
• The political party has already appointed 2 other nominated entities.

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Appointment and registration process

Under Division 2A of the Act, the appointment of a nominated entity follows a formal process:

• Party's agent provides written notice to the Electoral Commissioner.
• Supporting documents are submitted, including a declaration of eligibility.
• Appointment takes effect once details are entered into the register.

Revocation and removal

• Appointment may be revoked by the party's agent.
• A nominated entity may resign by written notice.
• The Electoral Commissioner must remove an entity if it ceases to be associated or if convictions apply.
• Removal from the register automatically ends the appointment.

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Register of nominated entities

The register is published online by the Electoral Commissioner and includes:

• The name of each nominated entity
• The address of the entity
• The political party it is associated with.

This register promotes transparency and accountability in political party operations, particularly in relation to financial disclosures and campaign expenditure.

The Electoral (Accountability and Integrity) Amendment Act 2024 has introduced major reforms to the Electoral Act 1985, effective from 1 July 2025. These changes are designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and fairness in South Australia's electoral system. Use the links below to explore how the reforms affect candidates, parties, and the electoral process.

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