The ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Damian Cantwell AM CSC, has proposed to cancel the registration of two political parties on the grounds that they no longer comply with the party registration eligibility requirements under the ACT’s Electoral Act.

‘Elections ACT has undertaken a review of each political party currently registered for ACT elections’, Mr Cantwell said today. ‘Under the ACT’s Electoral Act, a party must maintain at least 100 members who are ACT electors. The review of party membership has indicated that the Australian Climate Change Justice Party and Small Business Australian Capital Territory do not appear to comply with eligibility requirements,’ Mr Cantwell said.

Under the ACT's Electoral Act, the Electoral Commissioner is required to cancel the registration of a political party where the Commissioner believes on reasonable grounds that the party does not have at least 100 members who are on the ACT electoral roll. Before cancelling a party's registration, the Commissioner is required to invite written objections to the proposed cancellations.

A notice inviting public objections to the proposed cancellations has been published on the ACT Legislation Register, in the Canberra Times and on the Elections ACT website. The notices can be viewed at Cancellation of registration - Small Business ACT and Cancellation of registration - Australian Climate Change Justice Party

Written notices of objection must be lodged with the Electoral Commissioner by close of business on 28 August 2023.

More information about registration of political parties can be viewed on the Elections ACT website at www.elections.act.gov.au/political_parties/register_of_political_parties