Administrative funding (formerly known as special assistance funding) is a form of public funding provided under Division 5 of the Electoral Act 1985. It is paid as a half-yearly entitlement to eligible registered political parties to assist with the reimbursement of administrative expenditure.
Prior to the amendments introduced by the Electoral (Accountability and Integrity) Amendment Act 2024, public funding provided under Division 5 of the Electoral Act 1985 was known as special assistance funding.
👉 View historical special assistance funding.
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, 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.
Eligibility
- Parties with one or more members in the South Australian Parliament (House of Assembly or Legislative Council).
- Independent members of parliament
Use of funds
- Must not be paid into your state campaign account.
- Must not be used for political or electoral expenditure.
Who is not eligible
- Parties with no members in either the House of Assembly or Legislative Council.
How to apply
- Complete the administrative expenditure funding application form within 30 days of the end of the period.
- Return the completed form by email to
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Funding amounts
Registered political parties
Eligible registered political parties receive half-yearly payments based on the number of elected members they have.
Payment structure
| Number of elected members | Funding amount |
|
1 member |
$85,000 |
|
2 members |
$245,000 |
|
Each additional member (beyond 2) |
$55,000 (capped) |
|
Maximum funding |
$800,000 |
Independent members of parliament
Eligible independent members receive $20,000 (2026 indexed) as a half-yearly payment.
One-off payment
Purpose
- Provides reimbursement for one-off costs including costs related to meeting funding and disclosure obligations.
- Recognises that reforms may create additional administrative burden for parties and independent members eligible for administrative funding.
Availability
- From 1 July 2025 to 31 August 2026.
How to claim
- Paid on receipt of a one-off administrative funding claim.
Funding limit
- Registered political parties – up to a maximum of $200,000.
- Independent members of parliament – up to a maximum of $50,000.
If you have already claimed administrative funding, you cannot claim the same expense as part of this one-off payment.
Repayment of funds
The Electoral Commissioner may require repayment of unspent administrative funding in the following circumstances:
- Did not contest the election
- Ceases to operate, becomes unregistered, or a seat becomes vacant
- Changes status, such as:
- A non-party member joining a registered political party
- Standing in an election for a registered political party