Disclosure returns – council elections

Local Government Council Elections – Update

The next periodic local government council elections will now be held in April 2027 (previously scheduled for November 2026).

Public inspection of returns

👉 For information about disclosure obligations, see disclosure requirements for council candidates.

Under Part 14 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the returning officer must publish campaign donation returns within the required timeframes.

Campaign donation returns and gift returns for each candidate are available on the candidate’s profile on the council elections results site.

This link will take you to the results site. Select a candidate's profile and use the blue button beside each return to view it.

Records

Under section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act and section 33 of the City of Adelaide Act, a person must keep all records needed to complete a return for 4 years after the return is due.

Maximum penalty: $5,000.

Offences

Under section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act and section 29 of the City of Adelaide Act, it is an offence to:

  • fail to lodge a required return on time
  • lodge a return that is knowingly false or misleading
  • provide false or misleading information for inclusion in a return

Maximum penalty: $10,000.

More information

For full legislative requirements, refer to:

Disclaimer: The information provided above 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.