Our regulatory approach
Regulatory approach
I am very aware that Victorians rightly expect the Victorian Electoral Commission to take its
role seriously in not just conducting State elections, but also ensuring
all election participants play by the rules. It is therefore important all those participants
know what the rules are. Accordingly I have published the Commission's regulatory approach,
to provide transparency and predictability in our compliance responses.
We have taken feedback from the public on board and this has matured and improved
our responses to non-compliance with the law. This marks an important reset of the
Commission's approach that is consistent with the practice of modern regulators.
Most Victorians require minimal support to comply with their obligations under the Electoral Act.
Our priority is to educate and support electoral participants to meet their obligations.
Where education and support fail to address non-compliance or we believe an offence has been
committed, the Commission will investigate or take action that is in balance with the level of harm.
We will also refer matters to other State and federal integrity and enforcement bodies where
needed. All these steps must be proportional and consistent with the law and natural justice.
A big part of the Commission's regulatory activity is ensuring that those subject to Victoria's
political funding and disclosure laws are meeting their obligations. My priorities here are:
non-monetary disclosures, disclosures related to fundraising events, donations that are not
disclosed within 21 days and donations that exceed the general donation cap of $4,320.
It is critical for electoral participants to be alert to these obligations.
I trust the publication of the Commission's regulatory approach
assists all electoral participants to understand how the Commission will address compliance,
investigation and enforcement and I commit to its regular review.
The publication of the Commission's regulatory approach reflects my duty to transparently and
properly administer the Electoral Act and safeguard Victoria's democracy.
See also
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Our approach statement
Statement on our regulatory approach
Download the statement -
Media release
Read our media statement on our new regulatory approach
Read the media release -
Determinations
Determinations made by the Electoral Commissioner in relation to the Electoral Act 2002
Browse and read determinations