ABC reports the government had wanted to increase the fee from $100 (US$48) to $2,000(US$1,473) in a move criticised by opposition MPs and prospective candidates as being undemocratic.
But it abandoned the move last week after a submission by the Electoral Commission, and the fee has been set at $500 (US$368) instead.
It's been a busy time for the Commission after it was established earlier this year and the upcoming poll will be the first to be run by an independent statutory body.
