2024 Territory Election: Compliance review published

The NT Electoral Commission (NTEC) is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in electoral processes. Following the 2024 Territory Election, BDO Audit (NT) conducted an independent compliance review of financial disclosures on behalf of the NTEC.

The review evaluated compliance with financial disclosure requirements outlined in the Electoral Act 2004 (NT). It examined the accuracy of expenditure and gift returns and checked that participants maintained a separate bank account for election-related finances, as required for registered political parties and independent candidates.

The review included 10 independent candidates, 5 political parties, 2 associated entities, and 4 third-party campaigners.

Participants were asked to provide bank records, accounting system data, invoices, and other documentation. Participants were also requested to be available for interview if required.

The review found that all participants were confirmed to be within the expenditure cap, which is set at:

• Parties and associated entities: $45,600 multiplied by the number of divisions where the party endorses a candidate. Parties and their associated entities are combined for cap and reporting purposes.
• Independent candidates: $45,600 per candidate.

3 independent candidates did not engage in the compliance review process despite earlier submitting financial disclosure returns. They were issued a warning letter.

Participants whose returns showed a discrepancy of $500 or more were approached to amend their formal returns, all chose to do so.

A full copy of the compliance review is available here.

For specific inquiries about a particular disclosure return, please contact the relevant political party, candidate, or third-party campaigner. Registers are available on the NTEC website.

For general enquiries regarding the disclosure return process, please contact Chris Brack, Financial Disclosure and Compliance Manager at Disclosure.NTEC@nt.gov.au.