11 July 2008

The New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) will launch a new round of candidate information seminars next week to inform local council candidates of their legal obligations and new funding disclosure rules which come into effect on 1 August.

Thousands of candidates are expected to run for public office in 148 council areas across NSW on Saturday 13 September and the NSWEC is encouraging people with integrity to come forward.

“Almost 900 people attended our information seminars during May and June,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“We had very strong interest from candidates at the Newcastle, Burwood, Armidale, Kiama, Narooma, Penrith, Lismore, Liverpool, Parramatta, Queanbeyan, Coffs Harbour and Griffith events.”

Mr Barry said the seminars would take candidates through the electoral process step-by-step and bring them up to date on the new funding disclosure rules.

“Before any candidate can accept donations of $1000 or more, or spend $1000 or more on their campaign they will need to appoint an official agent who has been trained by the Election Funding Authority.

“The agent will be responsible for opening a bank account on behalf of the candidate and managing any donations and campaign expenditure.”

Mr Barry said sitting councillors, Members of Parliament and registered political parties had until 25 August 2008 to make their first declaration under the new laws.

The free candidate information seminars are being held at Strathfield, Randwick, Hurstville and Chatswood between 16 – 26 July. They are open to candidates standing for any local government area in NSW.

More information on the times, dates and locations are available at the NSWEC website: www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

Information on the new funding disclosure rules is available at www.efa.nsw.gov.au.

Media Contact:  Adrian Kerr, Corporate Communications
(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au