Explanatory note

This Supplementary Order Paper amends the Electoral (Finance Reform and Advance Voting) Amendment Bill. The amendments—

• correct a cross-reference in new section 204J(4):

• ensure that the definition of election expenses for a party in new section 206(1) does not include the costs of broadcasting election programmes paid out of the time and money allocated to the political party under the Broadcasting Act 1989:

• amend section 226(1) and new section 226(1A) to change the time limit for commencing a prosecution against a registered promoter for an offence under new section 206ZE(1) of failing to file a return of election expenses. Within 6 months of the date on which the return was required to be filed is changed to within 6 months of the date on which the prosecutor is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the commencement of proceedings, but no later than 3 years after the offence was committed. The latter time limit is preferable because it may be more than 6 months before the Electoral Commission becomes aware that an offence under new section 206ZE(1) has been committed:

• correct a minor drafting error in clause 25(2).