2024 Wakefield Regional Council supplementary election
Enrol to vote
The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5pm on Friday 31 May 2024.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Information for candidates
Candidate briefing session
Online by the Electoral Commission of SA
To be confirmed
Acts and Regulations
The rules that govern council elections are set out in:
The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.
Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- at the time the electoral roll closes:
- enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
- the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
- left off the voters roll for the council area in error.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- a member of an Australian Parliament; or
- an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
- have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
- are an employee of the council; or
- are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:
- in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
- in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns
A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner via the candidate portal.
CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
The return must disclose:
- the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
- the number of people who made those gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which each gift was made
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.
The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:
- a private gift made to the candidate
- a gift with an amount or value less than $500
- a gift already disclosed in a large gift return
If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.
LARGE GIFTS RETURN
All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.
The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.
The return must disclose:
- the amount or value of each gift received
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
- the date on which each gift was made.
Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.
A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at
Offences
See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.
Public inspection of returns
The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer.
Records
See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.
Frequently asked questions
ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
- 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
- Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?
Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact
Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'
The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.
A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:
- a disposition of property
- made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
- without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
- includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.
By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.
What is a 'disposition of property?'
A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:
- the allotment of shares in a company; and
- the creation of a trust in property; and
- the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
- the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
- the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
- a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
- the number of persons who made the gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which the gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?
A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.
What is a 'new candidate?'
A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.
Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?
No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.
What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?
There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.
What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?
Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.
What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?
No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.
How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?
If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?
No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.
Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?
Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.
A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.
It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.
What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?
No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.
Where do I find further information?
- Part 14, ss 80-90 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
- Regulation 11A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 2010
Information is current as of 13 January 2023.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.
Candidate responsibilities
As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.
View the electoral advertising page for more information.
All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.
Electoral advertising
There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.
Learn more on our electoral advertising page.
Forms and handbooks
- Campaign donation return LG2 (PDF, 829KB)
- Candidate handbook LG20 (PDF, 1MB)
- Large gifts return LG52 (PDF, 232KB)
- Profile and photograph requirements LG13 (PDF, 735KB)
- Scrutineer authority LG15 - (PDF, 258KB)
- Scrutineer guide LG14 - (PDF, 528KB)
- Understanding the role of a councillor (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Voters roll - Acknowledgment of use LG55 (PDF, 236KB)
Nominating as a candidate
Nominations open on Thursday 27 June 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 11 July 2024.
Nominations are to be completed online through the candidate portal.
Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.
Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.
Responsibilities as a member of a council
Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.
Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.
More information can be found on the council elections website.
Enrolment
The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5pm on Friday 31 May 2024.
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, a draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper will be held as soon a practicable after 12 noon Thursday 11 July 2024. The result of the draw will be detailed below.
Timetable
Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5pm, Friday 31 May 2024 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 27 June 2024 |
Online candidate briefing session |
To be confimred | |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 11 July 2024 |
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 11 July 2024 |
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Thursday 18 July 2024 to Thursday 25 July 2024 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 30 July 2024 to Monday 5 August 2024 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) | 5pm, Monday 19 August 2024 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) | 12 noon, Monday 26 August 2024 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) | To be confirmed |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
2024 APY Executive Board Elections
Enrolment: Closing on Wednesday 15 May 2024
Enrol to vote
On Wednesday 21 August 2024, you can vote for who will represent you on the APY Executive Board.
To vote, you must have your name on the electoral roll. If you’re not on the electoral roll and want to vote, you must enrol by 5pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024.
Enrolment criteria:
- must be Aṉangu,
- have your name on the electoral roll within your electorate and live in your electorate; and
- be at least 18 years of age on polling day.
Check your enrolment
You can check your current electoral enrolment by entering your details on the AEC's website using the link below.
Enrol online
To enrol for the first time or get back on the roll, you can enrol online.
Update your enrolment details
Update online
When you move house, or if you change your name, you must update your details on the electoral roll. You can also update or correct other personal details.
Complete a paper form
To get a paper form, visit your nearest Aṉangu school or TAFE or download the fillable PDF and print.
If you fill out a paper form, you must return it by email to
Nominations: Open from Wednesday 29 May 2024
Nominations
Nominations open on Wednesday 29 May and close on Wednesday 5 June 2024 (time of day to be confirmed).
Nominating gives you a chance to be a leader in your community.
Nomination criteria
To nominate you:
- must be Aṉangu,
- have your name on the electoral roll (by Wednesday 15 May 2024) within your electorate and live in your electorate,
- be at least 18 years of age on polling day; and
- be a person of good character. We will arrange a police check of your background. You are not eligible if you have been found guilty of a serious offence in the last 10 years.
Nomination process
Complete with an electoral officer
An eligible person can nominate with the assistance of an electoral officer at an Aṉangu school listed below, or in-person at the Electoral Commission of Sout Australia (ECSA) office (Level 6, 60 Light Square Adelaide SA 5000).
- Pipalyatjara Aṉangu School
- Murputja Education Centre
- Amata Aṉangu School
- Fregon Aṉangu School
- Ernabella Aṉangu School
- Mimili Aṉangu School
- Indulkana Aṉangu School
When you go to nominate you must have proof of identity — this might be your driver’s license, or other cards that have your name.
The electoral officer at the school/ECSA office can help you to complete the forms and can take your photo if required.
Electoral officers are required to:
- Explain to prospective candidates how they can nominate and assist them to complete the Nomination Form (Form 2) and National Police Check Application Form (Form 3),
- Take a digital photograph of any candidates (predominately head and shoulders) who do not have one of their own for nomination purposes — photos will be printed on ballot papers where elections are required,
- Receive and check candidate nomination forms and provide candidates an Offences under the Act form (Form 4),
- Once the nomination paperwork is in order, the electoral officer will scan and email to ECSA; and
- After the police check period, ECSA will make a declaration of nominations to confirm eligible candidates for the elections.
Complete yourself
You will be required to:
- Download and complete the Nomination Form (Form 2) - link coming soon
- Download and complete a National Police Check Application Form (Form 3) - link coming soon
- Download and complete an Offences under the Act form (Form 4) - link coming soon
- Provide a digital photograph (predominately head and shoulders) — photos will be printed on ballot papers where elections are required,
- Once the nomination paperwork is in order, provide all completed forms and your photo to the electoral officer; and
Withdrawal of nomination
A person can withdraw their nomination by completing a Withdrawal Form (Form 6) (link coming soon) and handing it to an electoral officer up until the close of nominations.
A person cannot withdraw their nomination after the close of nominations on Wednesday 5 June 2024 (time of day to be confirmed).
Declaration of nominations
On Wednesday 21 July 2024, If two or more people nominate, electoral officers will hold an election on Wednesday 21 August 2024.
Following police checks, ECSA will make a declaration of nominations to confirm eligible candidates for the elections.
Voting will be open from 9:30am to 3pm Central Standard Time (CST).
Voting: Wednesday 21 August 2024
Voting
To vote you must be enrolled.
Voting day for the 2024 APY Executive Board elections is Wednesday 21 August 2024. Voting will be open from 9:30am to 3pm Central Standard Time (CST).
When you vote you will choose one male and one female for your electorate.
More information on voting locations will be shared closer to the election.
2024 District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula supplementary election
Nominations opening Thursday 23 May 2024
With nominations opening on Thursday 23 May 2024, we will be hosting an online candidate briefing session in the evening.
Online Candidate Briefing session: 6pm, Thursday 23 May 2024
Information for candidates
Candidate briefing session
Online by the Electoral Commission of SA
Online Candidate Briefing session: 6pm, Thursday 23 May 2024
Acts and Regulations
The rules that govern council elections are set out in:
The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.
Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- at the time the electoral roll closes:
- enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
- the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
- left off the voters roll for the council area in error.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- a member of an Australian Parliament; or
- an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
- have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
- are an employee of the council; or
- are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:
- in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
- in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns
A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner via the candidate portal.
CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
The return must disclose:
- the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
- the number of people who made those gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which each gift was made
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.
The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:
- a private gift made to the candidate
- a gift with an amount or value less than $500
- a gift already disclosed in a large gift return
If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.
LARGE GIFTS RETURN
All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.
The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.
The return must disclose:
- the amount or value of each gift received
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
- the date on which each gift was made.
Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.
A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at
Offences
See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.
Public inspection of returns
The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer.
Records
See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.
Frequently asked questions
ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
- 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
- Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?
Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact
Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'
The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.
A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:
- a disposition of property
- made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
- without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
- includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.
By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.
What is a 'disposition of property?'
A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:
- the allotment of shares in a company; and
- the creation of a trust in property; and
- the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
- the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
- the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
- a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
- the number of persons who made the gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which the gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?
A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.
What is a 'new candidate?'
A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.
Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?
No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.
What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?
There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.
What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?
Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.
What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?
No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.
How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?
If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?
No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.
Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?
Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.
A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.
It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.
What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?
No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.
Where do I find further information?
- Part 14, ss 80-90 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
- Regulation 11A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 2010
Information is current as of 13 January 2023.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.
Candidate responsibilities
As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.
View the electoral advertising page for more information.
All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.
Electoral advertising
There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.
Learn more on our electoral advertising page.
Forms and handbooks
- Campaign donation return LG2 (PDF, 829KB)
- Candidate handbook LG20 (PDF, 1MB)
- Large gifts return LG52 (PDF, 232KB)
- Profile and photograph requirements LG13 (PDF, 735KB)
- Scrutineer authority LG15 - (PDF, 258KB)
- Scrutineer guide LG14 - (PDF, 528KB)
- Understanding the role of a councillor (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Voters roll - Acknowledgment of use LG55 (PDF, 236KB)
Nominating as a candidate
Nominations open on Thursday 23 May 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 6 June 2024.
Nominations are to be completed online through the candidate portal.
Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.
Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.
Responsibilities as a member of a council
Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.
Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.
More information can be found on the council elections website.
Enrolment
The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5 pm on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, a draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper will be held as soon a practicable after 12 noon Thursday 6 June 2024. The result of the draw will be detailed below.
Timetable
Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5 pm, Tuesday 30 April 2024 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 23 May 2024 |
Online candidate briefing session |
6 pm, Thursday 23 May 2024 | |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 6 June 2024 |
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 6 June 2024 |
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Thursday 13 June 2024 to Thursday 20 June 2024 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 25 June 2024 to Monday 1 July 2024 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) | 5 pm, Monday 15 July 2024 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) | 12 noon, Monday 22 July 2024 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) | Tuesday 23 July 2024 |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |
2024 District Council of Yankalilla supplementary election
Nominations opening Thursday 23 May 2024
With nominations opening on Thursday 23 May 2024, we will be hosting an online candidate briefing session in the evening.
Online Candidate Briefing session: 6pm, Thursday 23 May 2024
Information for candidates
Candidate briefing session
Online by the Electoral Commission of SA
Online Candidate Briefing session: 6pm, Thursday 23 May 2024
Acts and Regulations
The rules that govern council elections are set out in:
The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.
Candidate eligibility and ineligibility
You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- an Australian citizen
- at the time the electoral roll closes:
- enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
- the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
- left off the voters roll for the council area in error.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:
- a member of an Australian Parliament; or
- an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
- have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
- are an employee of the council; or
- are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.
You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:
- in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
- in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns
A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner via the candidate portal.
CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
The return must disclose:
- the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
- the number of people who made those gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which each gift was made
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.
The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:
- a private gift made to the candidate
- a gift with an amount or value less than $500
- a gift already disclosed in a large gift return
If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.
LARGE GIFTS RETURN
All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.
The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.
The return must disclose:
- the amount or value of each gift received
- details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
- the date on which each gift was made.
Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.
A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at
Offences
See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.
Public inspection of returns
The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer.
Records
See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.
Frequently asked questions
ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
- 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
- Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?
Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact
Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'
The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.
A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:
- a disposition of property
- made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
- without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
- includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.
By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.
What is a 'disposition of property?'
A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:
- the allotment of shares in a company; and
- the creation of a trust in property; and
- the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
- the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
- the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
- a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
- the number of persons who made the gifts
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?
The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:
- the amount or value of each gift
- the date on which the gift was made
- the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?
Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.
Candidates must lodge 2 returns:
For a supplementary election:
- the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
- the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?
A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.
What is a 'new candidate?'
A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.
Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?
No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.
What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?
There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.
What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?
Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.
What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?
No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.
How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?
If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.
Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?
No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.
Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?
Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.
A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.
It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.
What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?
No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.
Where do I find further information?
- Part 14, ss 80-90 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999
- Regulation 11A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 2010
Information is current as of 13 January 2023.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.
Candidate responsibilities
As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.
View the electoral advertising page for more information.
All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.
Electoral advertising
There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.
Learn more on our electoral advertising page.
Forms and handbooks
- Campaign donation return LG2 (PDF, 829KB)
- Candidate handbook LG20 (PDF, 1MB)
- Large gifts return LG52 (PDF, 232KB)
- Profile and photograph requirements LG13 (PDF, 735KB)
- Scrutineer authority LG15 - (PDF, 258KB)
- Scrutineer guide LG14 - (PDF, 528KB)
- Understanding the role of a councillor (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Voters roll - Acknowledgment of use LG55 (PDF, 236KB)
Nominating as a candidate
Nominations open on Thursday 23 May 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 6 June 2024.
Nominations are to be completed online through the candidate portal.
Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.
Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.
Responsibilities as a member of a council
Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.
Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.
More information can be found on the council elections website.
Enrolment
The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5 pm on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.
If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:
- Check my enrolment
- Enrol online (first time voters or to get back on the roll)
- Update my details online (for updates to your address, name or other contact details)
Council supplementary roll
If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:
- a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
- an owner of an organisation or business
- an owner of a holiday home
- a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
- a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
- a landlord of rateable property.
In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.
If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.
List of candidates
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, a draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper will be held as soon a practicable after 12 noon Thursday 6 June 2024. The result of the draw will be detailed below.
Timetable
Event | Legislation* | Date |
Close of rolls |
s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b) |
5 pm, Tuesday 30 April 2024 |
Nominations open |
s 19(4) |
Thursday 23 May 2024 |
Online candidate briefing session |
6 pm, Thursday 23 May 2024 | |
Nominations close |
s 23(b) |
12 noon, Thursday 6 June 2024 |
Draw for positions on the ballot paper |
s 29(3)(b) |
as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 6 June 2024 |
First campaign donation return due |
s 80(3)(a)(ii) | Thursday 13 June 2024 to Thursday 20 June 2024 |
Mailout of materials |
s 39(1) |
Tuesday 25 June 2024 to Monday 1 July 2024 |
Last day for re-issue of voting materials |
s 39(4), s 43(4) | 5 pm, Monday 15 July 2024 |
Close of voting (polling day) |
s 6(6), s 6(7)(b) | 12 noon, Monday 22 July 2024 |
Scrutiny and count |
s 47(1)(a) | Tuesday 23 July 2024 |
Second campaign donation return due | s 80(3)(b) |
Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election' |