Media Releases

DISCLOSE DONORS: Electoral Commission Report Hides True Story [4th Feb, 2002]
by Senator Andrew Murray

The Australian Democrats have again called on the Government to require the full, legislated disclosure of political donations following the Australian Electoral Commission's publication of political party donations returns on Friday.

According to Democrats' Electoral Matters spokesperson, Senator Andrew Murray, the party returns to the AEC fail to reveal the whole story behind party funding.

"We have repeatedly called on the Government to require the full disclosure of political donations. Clubs, trusts and foundations are used by the major parties to obscure the true source of huge donations. The result is that the identity of donors is not known," Senator Murray said.

"The Government has previously rejected Democrats' proposals for full disclosure, but public pressure is mounting over donations coming from unknown sources. Until it is legally binding to disclose the full details and true sources of donation, there will always be a fear that under-the-table cash for influence deals are being done."

In addition to the full disclosure of donations, Senator Murray identified the following areas as reform priorities:

· Capping donations
· Banning donations from overseas entities
· Banning donations with strings attached
· Legislating for quarterly rather than annual disclosures
· Requiring corporations, unions and organisations to have shareholder/member approved political donations policies

"If public confidence in the political system is to be established, the Government must ensure that political parties are not receiving secret donations or donations with strings attached," Senator Murray concluded.

Senator Murray has also commented on revelations that failed internet provider froggy.com boss Karl Suleman donated a large sum of money to the ALP prior to the collapse of the company:

"Regarding political donations from Mr Suleman/froggy.com – if those donations were made using funds from an insolvent company, then there is an obvious moral requirement on the ALP to return them."