"Electoral" and "disclosure" - two words that might make the ordinary person/voter think they could follow the money trail of Australian politics.

But that person would be wrong.

Although the 2016 federal election disclosure returns were published on Monday by the Australian Electoral Commission they do nothing to increase anyone's understanding of how politics in Australia works or is funded.

There are some interesting little titbits in there but only if you know where to look and only if you are interested in the amuse-bouche rather than the main course.