Australia - February 2025

On 20 February, the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Act 2025 received Royal Assent after clearing the Senate, ending decades of gridlock on campaign finance reforms. The legislation lowers the donation disclosure threshold for a candidate or political party from AUD 16,900 to 5,000 (approximately USD 3,000) and mandates faster publication of disclosures. The law also introduces caps on donations and electoral spending to limit the influence of money in politics. While considered a step toward transparency, critics argue that the rushed and secretive legislative process lacked proper parliamentary or civil society scrutiny. Legal experts and rights advocates say concerns remain over loopholes favouring major parties over independents and minor parties. The law will take effect after this year’s federal election, with experts urging further reforms from the incoming parliament.  

Sources: The Australia Institute, Verfassungsblog, The Conversation, Australian Electoral Commission, ABC News