Labor could face hefty fines if it seeks to replicate its so-called 'Mediscare' text message campaign at the next federal next election.
The minister responsible for electoral matters Scott Ryan will next week introduce draft laws to parliament making it an offence to impersonate a commonwealth entity.
Existing laws ban the impersonation of a commonwealth official and aren't made to deal with scenarios like Labor sending out text messages that could be interpreted as coming from the Medicare agency.
The new laws will also require all political parties, candidates and others to put their name to a wider range of political communications, including text messages and robo-calls.
Senator Ryan said improving such authorisations will ensure voters understand who is trying to influence their vote.
"This bill will ensure all are treated fairly and equally in requiring political material to be authorised, and bring the regime into the modern era," the minister said.
The Australian Electoral Commission is expected to discuss with the parties how the authorisations will work in practical terms.
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