Electoral participants


Printers, publishers and broadcasters

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In Tasmania, printers, publishers, and broadcasters play a crucial role in the electoral process by disseminating political advertising. To ensure transparency and compliance with electoral laws, these stakeholders have specific obligations under the Electoral Act 2004 and the Local Government Act 1993.

This includes advertising authorisation requirements, blackout periods and consideration for persons registered to incur election expenditure on behalf of a candidate or party. For local government elections, this includes the requirement to submit detailed returns of electoral advertisements after each election.

 Printers, publishers and broadcasters are not required to submit detailed returns of electoral advertisements for House of Assembly or Legislative Council elections.

To assist in understanding and fulfilling these obligations, the Tasmanian Electoral Commission provides comprehensive manuals tailored to each group (below). These manuals offer detailed guidance on compliance requirements, including the preparation and submission of advertising returns for local government elections.

Printers

Printers involved in producing electoral advertising materials must:

  • Ensure that all printed electoral advertisements include the required authorisation details, as stipulated in the Electoral Act 2004.
  • Maintain records of all electoral materials printed, including quantities and recipients.
  • Submit an electoral advertising return to the TEC within 45 days after the declaration of a local government election result, detailing all electoral materials printed.

For detailed guidance:

Publishers

Publishers who disseminate electoral advertisements through newspapers, magazines, or online platforms are required to:

  • Verify that all electoral advertisements contain the necessary authorisation statements.
  • Keep detailed records of all electoral advertisements published, including dates and content.
  • Lodge an electoral advertising return with the TEC within 45 days after the local government election, outlining all electoral advertisements published.

For detailed guidance:

Broadcasters

Broadcasters airing electoral advertisements on television, radio, or online streaming services must:

  • Ensure all electoral advertisements broadcast include the appropriate authorisation information.
  • Maintain logs of all electoral content broadcast, including times and content details.
  • Submit an electoral advertising return to the TEC within 45 days following a local government election, detailing all electoral advertisements broadcast.

For detailed guidance:

Current reporting periods

Electoral advertising returns must be submitted no later than 45 days after the day on which the returning officer issues the certificate of election. Failure to comply may result in penalties under the Electoral Act 2004.

There are currently no reporting periods in effect for local government elections.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions or require further information regarding your obligations, please contact the Tasmanian Electoral Commission:

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