I've been voting in this country for 30 years, and for the last 20, it doesn't seem to make a difference beyond undoing the last governments work.. Maybe you see something I don't.

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[–] Tau@aussie.zone 9 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

They can get funding, but not in the next election. If you get more than 4% of first preference votes then you can get money after an election to help repay expenditure for that election, up to the lesser of the amount you have spent or the number of first preference votes multiplied by a few dollars (currently $3.29). Reading the info page it seems to make it easier they pay out $12k if you qualify and you can claim more if necessary.

This does mean it's worthwhile spending your first preference on a smaller candidate you approve of though. They aren't necessarily getting ahead with that funding but being able to offset their election spending would be a real benefit to people/groups which don't have piles of money to spend (and makes it more likely they'll be able to try again next election).

[–] alansuspect@aussie.zone 4 points 6 months ago

Thanks!