The Pledge

Zero Political Funding Pledge — Version 1.0 — 1 August 2026

The pledge

The member pledges that, for so long as its certification is current, no member of its Declared Group will make a Political Donation.

Scope

Declared Group means the member and every entity the member controls (within the meaning of section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)), as declared in the member's application and any accepted update.

Political Donation means any of the following, made directly or indirectly, in any Australian jurisdiction (federal, state, territory or local):

1. a gift of money, or a gift of property or services (including a disposition for less than full market value), to a political party, a candidate for elected public office or an elected member (in that capacity), or an associated entity of a political party;
2. payment to attend, sponsor or support a fundraising event or fundraising venture conducted by or for the benefit of any of the above, to the extent the payment exceeds the market value of what is received;
3. a loan, guarantee or other financial accommodation provided to any of the above otherwise than on arm's-length commercial terms; and
4. a payment or gift to any person or vehicle made for the purpose of it being passed on to, or applied for the benefit of, any of the above.

Political Donation does not include:

1. a payment required by law (including a statutory fee, levy, tax or electoral funding entitlement administered by a government agency);
2. an arm's-length commercial transaction at market value for goods or services;
3. membership fees paid to an industry association, professional body or union, unless the member knows the body is an associated entity of a political party;
4. a donation made by a director, officer or employee in their personal capacity from their own resources, without reimbursement or direction by any member of the Declared Group.

Interpretation

"Political party", "candidate" and "associated entity" take their ordinary meaning informed by the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory electoral legislation.

What this pledge is

This pledge is a forward-looking promise given to the scheme operator under the Member Agreement. It is separate from the Trailing 12-Month Declaration, which is a statement of past fact. Breach of this pledge is grounds for revocation of certification.