The Electoral Review Expert Panel was appointed in May 2023 to review the operation of the Electoral Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) (2018 amendments).

The 2018 amendments introduced a broad political finance regulation scheme for Victoria’s State elections, including disclosure, funding, reporting and enforcement provisions. They also introduced electronic assisted voting for a prescribed eligible class of electors.

The panel’s Terms of Reference also required it to consider recommendations one and two of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s Special report on corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying.

The Panel examined the key principles and objectives of Victoria’s political finance laws, as well as other design considerations and human rights that must be taken into account. The Panel confirmed key objectives with participants which include:

• keeping money in politics transparent — supporting electors to make informed decisions at elections and ensuring regulatory and integrity agencies can perform their functions
• protecting the public interest and reducing the risk of real or perceived undue influence affecting political decision-making
• supporting the equal right of Victorians to participate in the electoral process.