Administrative funding

On this page

• Overview
• Purpose
• Eligibility
• Use of funds
• Funding amounts
• Administrative funding payments
• 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.

For detailed instructions and legislative references, see the Administrative Funding Guide (PDF, 241KB).

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.

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Eligibility

Registered political parties

To be eligible for administrative funding, a registered political party must:

• Have at least one member in the South Australian Parliament (House of Assembly or Legislative Council) during the period.
• Be registered on the polling day of the most recent general election.
• Remain registered for the entire funding period.

Special rule for 2025

Despite section 130 U(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, a registered political party will still be considered eligible for the July—December 2025 half-year period if:

• it was registered on or before 1 August 2025, and
• It stayed registered until 31 December 2025.

Independent members of parliament

Independent members of parliament are also eligible for administrative funding.

Who is not eligible

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

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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.

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.

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Funding amounts

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

Payment structure