Perth Candidate Deposits & Refunds - City Rules

Elections and Campaign Finance Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia candidates for local government should understand how deposits and refunds are handled by the City and the electoral authorities. This guide explains who accepts payments, where to submit nomination material, typical refund triggers and how to seek review or lodge complaints in a Perth local election context. It draws on official City of Perth election guidance and Western Australian electoral authority material to identify forms, responsible officers and practical steps current as of February 2026. City election information[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[2] Escalation and continuing offence penalties: not specified on the cited page. Non-monetary sanctions may include orders to correct nomination details, rejection of nomination, or referral to a court for breaches of electoral law; specific powers depend on whether the City or the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) is conducting the election. Enforcer: City of Perth Returning Officer or WAEC where the Commission is engaged; complaints and inspections are handled through the City of Perth elections team and WAEC candidate compliance units. Appeal/review routes: candidates may request administrative review with the City or seek judicial review in the relevant court; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages. Defences and discretion: statutory defences or allowances (for example, inadvertent errors or reasonable excuse) are governed by the applicable electoral legislation and regulations and are not set out in full on the cited pages.

Penalties and exact fees should be confirmed with the City or WAEC before lodging a nomination.

Common violations and consequences

  • Providing false nomination information — may result in rejection or referral to authorities.
  • Late or incomplete payment/absence of required documents — nomination may be invalid.
  • Failure to comply with advertising or disclosure rules — potential orders or penalties.

Applications & Forms

The City and WAEC publish nomination forms and guidance where applicable; the exact form name, fee and submission method are not fully specified on the cited pages. Candidates should obtain the official nomination form and instructions from the City of Perth election page or the WAEC candidate information page and follow the submission steps and deadlines published there.

Always use the official nomination form linked by the City or WAEC to avoid processing delays.

Paying Deposits and Requesting Refunds

Where a deposit is required, the City or WAEC will state the accepted payment methods (for example, electronic transfer, cheque or in-person payment) and refund conditions. If a deposit is refundable, typical triggers include withdrawal within allowed timeframes, unsuccessful candidacy where refund rules apply, or administrative error by the election office. If the official pages do not list an amount or deadline, treat the fee as "not specified on the cited page" and contact the election office for confirmation.

  • How to pay — follow the payment instructions on the City nomination page or the WAEC candidate guide.
  • Deadlines — submit payment with the nomination by the close of nominations; exact close dates are on the official event notices.
  • Receipts — keep official receipts as evidence when requesting a refund.

Action Steps

  • Contact the City of Perth elections team early to confirm whether a deposit applies and the exact fee and payment method.
  • Complete the official nomination form and attach proof of payment where required.
  • If seeking a refund, submit the refund request with evidence (receipt, withdrawal notice) within the timeframe stated by the election office.
  • If refused, seek the City’s internal review or advice on judicial review options promptly.

FAQ

Do I have to pay a deposit to nominate for City of Perth council?
Deposit requirements vary; the City and WAEC pages should be checked for the current election — the cited City page provides nomination guidance for Perth. City election information[1]
How do I request a refund?
Request a refund in writing to the City elections office or WAEC (if conducting the election), attaching the nomination receipt and any required withdrawal evidence; specific submission details are on the official pages.
What if my refund is denied?
If denied, ask for an internal review with the City or WAEC, then consider statutory appeal or judicial review; time limits for appeals are set out in the governing electoral legislation and are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

  1. Obtain the official nomination form from the City of Perth website or WAEC candidate page.
  2. Pay any stated deposit following the payment instructions and keep the receipt.
  3. Submit the completed nomination form and proof of payment by the close of nominations to the specified office.
  4. If you withdraw or are eligible for a refund, lodge a written refund request with evidence to the elections office.
  5. If a refund is refused, request the City’s review process and seek legal advice about appeal timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm deposit obligations with the City of Perth or WAEC before lodging a nomination.
  • Keep payment receipts and submit refund requests promptly with evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth council elections information
  2. [2] Western Australian Electoral Commission - local government candidates

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