Open petition: Require parties to reimburse by-election costs caused by voluntary resignations

Created by Craig McKee
Closes on 17 December 2026

We want the Government to require political parties to reimburse any taxpayer-funded costs associated with by-elections caused by one of their elected representatives voluntarily resigning within 12 months of taking office or resigning early in their tenure to contest another elected position.

We believe taxpayers should not bear the financial cost of by-elections caused by elected representatives voluntarily resigning for reasons that we feel are foreseeable and within their control, such as accepting nomination for another elected office, political strategy, or deciding not to continue in a role they recently sought and accepted.

The requirement should apply only to avoidable voluntary resignations. It should not apply where a resignation results from circumstances outside the elected representative's control, such as serious illness, the death or serious illness of a close family member, bereavement, caring responsibilities arising unexpectedly, or other exceptional circumstances.

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