With the Victorian state election coming up in November 2026 and the New South Wales state election following in March 2027, charities may be considering how they can contribute to public debate and advocate for the communities and causes they represent.
Charities can play an important role in public policy discussions, including during election periods.
A charity can advocate for or against a change in law, policy or practice when doing so furthers its charitable purpose.
However, charities must remain independent from partisan politics. This means that a charity cannot have a purpose of promoting or opposing a political party.
As elections approach, charities should make sure they have clear procedures, checks and approval processes in place for public statements, campaign materials, social media content and other advocacy activities.
Charities undertaking election-related advocacy should also be aware that electoral laws differ between jurisdictions and may impose additional requirements.
Our guidance explains what charities can and cannot do when advocating and campaigning, including during election periods.