Advertising

The NSW Electoral Commission conducts advertising campaigns in the lead-up to election events. This advertising supports voter awareness of these events and also points to information for candidates.

We also conduct campaigns outside of election events, as needed, around key aspects of our regulatory and other work.

Where we advertise is determined on a case-by-case basis with advice from the media agency allocated to the NSW Electoral Commission under the NSW Government’s  advertising framework, including a whole-of-sector media agency services contract.

The NSW Electoral Commission is required by law to publish some information ahead of state and local government elections. Amendments to election legislation in 2019 changed the requirements relating to the publishing of this information. 

Previously, the Electoral Commission was required to publish notices and information in an advertisement in a newspaper circulating in the local government area or state electoral district. The publication requirement can now be met by publication of notices and information on the NSW Electoral Commission website on certain dates and for certain periods of time. 

For federal (administered by the Australian Electoral Commission) and state general elections and by-elections, advertising blackout periods are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

An election advertising blackout period applies to television and radio advertising and commercial television broadcast licensees, commercial radio broadcasting licensees, community broadcasting licensees, subscription television broadcasting licensees, and providers of broadcasting servicing under class licenses. It does not cover other mediums such as print, online services, social media, text messages or phone calls.

For further information on the classification of election advertising and election advertising blackout periods, please visit acma.gov.au or call 1300 850 115.

There are no advertising blackout periods for local government elections in NSW.