The Electoral Commission has adopted the Campaign Limitations Rules 2026, under Section 155(1) of the Electoral Act 2014, providing clearer guidance on what can and cannot be done during election campaigning, and establishing a comprehensive framework to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming General Election. The Rules come into effect on 20 October 2026.
The Rules introduce binding limitations across two key areas. These are the use of State resources for campaign purposes, and the places where campaigning is permitted.
Their adoption reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the democratic process.
Adopted last week, on 24 September 2026, the Rules complement existing election campaign laws and provide greater clarity for political parties, candidates, Members of Parliament, and other electoral stakeholders.
One key area covered by the Rules is the prohibition of State or Government resources for campaigning. Government resources must not be used to support election campaigns.
This means state-funded equipment, communication networks, transport or shipping services, and Government premises cannot be used for campaign activities, unless allowed under the Electoral Act or the Rules.
The Rules also make a clear distinction between official duties and campaigning.
When Members of Parliament are carrying out their official duties, including ministerial duties, they or anyone acting on their behalf must not use those duties to communicate campaign messages or activities.
During the campaign period, communications highlighting the achievements or lack of achievements of a Member of Parliament or political party during the current term of Parliament will generally be treated as campaign messages unless proven otherwise.
However, factual information communicated as part of an official statutory, parliamentary, ministerial, emergency or public safety function may be allowed where it contains no direct or indirect election-related message.
The Rules make clear that Personal Staff Officers and Executive Support Officers to Members of Parliament are public servants for these purposes. Any campaign message delivered by such officers will not be exempted under the Act.
The Rules address the use of incumbency advantages during the campaign period, where it is prohibited for any Member of Parliament, political party or candidate or anyone acting on their behalf, to use any State resources in any activity that is connected to any campaign.
Where State resources are used to provide services to the public for a fee — such as printing, freight, transportation, or venue hire — candidates and parties may access those services only by paying the same fee as any member of the public.
The Rules also identify places and situations where campaigning or the placement of campaign materials is prohibited.
This includes while public servants or Members of Parliament are performing their official duties, as well as at public libraries, childcare and early childhood facilities, hospitals, aged care facilities, prisons and detention facilities, and public offices.
The restriction applies to the premises and surrounding grounds up to the boundary, including car parks allocated to those premises.
The Supervisor of Elections retains the power to designate public places for the placement of campaign materials in accordance with section 112(3) of the Act.
Campaigning must be kept separate from Government resources and official duties, and everyone involved must follow the same electoral rules.
All political parties have been given 21 days from Tuesday 29 September 2026 to familiarise themselves with the Rules.
The Electoral Commission encourages political parties, candidates, Members of Parliament and everyone involved in election campaigning to familiarise themselves with the Rules.