Members of Parliament, political parties and candidates will not be allowed to use Government resources, official duties or certain public facilities for election campaigning under the Campaign Limitations Rules 2026.
The Electoral Commission says the Rules, which come into effect on 20th October 2026, prohibit the use of State-funded equipment, communication networks, transport or shipping services and Government premises for campaigning, unless permitted under the Electoral Act or the Rules.
MPs will also not be allowed to use their official or ministerial duties to communicate campaign messages or conduct campaign activities.
It says during the campaign period, communications highlighting the achievements or lack of achievements of an MP or political party during the current parliamentary term 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 if it does not contain any direct or indirect election-related message.
It also states that Personal Staff Officers and Executive Support Officers to MPs are considered public servants under the Rules, and campaign messages delivered by these officers will not be exempted under the Electoral Act.
The Rules also prohibit MPs, political parties, candidates or anyone acting on their behalf from using State resources for any activity connected to their campaigns.
However, 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 can use the services if they pay the same fee as any member of the public.
The commission says campaigning and the placement of campaign materials will also be prohibited at public libraries, childcare and early childhood facilities, hospitals, aged care facilities, prisons and detention facilities and public offices.
The restriction extends to the surrounding grounds and car parks allocated to these premises.
Campaigning is also prohibited while public servants or MPs are carrying out their official duties.
The Supervisor of Elections will retain the power to designate public places where campaign materials can be displayed in accordance with Section 112(3) of the Electoral Act.
The Electoral Commission adopted the Campaign Limitations Rules 2026 on 24th September under Section 155(1) of the Electoral Act 2014.
It says the Rules are intended to ensure a level playing field and safeguard the integrity of the upcoming General Election.
Political parties have been given 21 days from 29th September 2026 to familiarise themselves with the Rules.
