Media Releases

Democrats Attack Poor Political Governance [23rd Jun, 2003]
by Senator Andrew Murray

The Australian Democrats today again reiterated the urgent need for Constitutional reform, much stronger political governance and much greater disclosure and accountability in the area of political donations.

This was the gist of the Democrats' extensive Supplementary Remarks to the Inquiry into the Conduct of the 2001 Federal Election, which was tabled in Parliament today. The

Democrats welcomed the Report, whose recommendations will advance federal law and the functioning of our democracy.
Democrats' Electoral Matters Spokesperson, Senator Andrew Murray, said: "While we agree with most of the Main Report, the topics not covered are coincidentally those of greatest public interest and notoriety.

"Political governance remains an area of reform priority. The major parties must not continue to shy away from dealing with these issues.

"The mere fact that political parties wield so much influence over all Australians demonstrates the need for stronger regulatory controls. Since political parties control the legislature, the consequence is that regulation of political parties is largely perfunctory, in marked contrast to the much stronger legislation for corporations or unions.

"The Democrats believe that reforms are vital in bringing political parties under the necessary regulatory regimes that befits their role under our system of democracy and accountability.

"Public interest demands this."

The Democrats have a long established reputation of activism for greater accountability, transparency and disclosure in political donations. This is their second other main area for reform.

"We recommend that political donations be capped at $100,000 and that all donations over $10,000 must be disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commission at least quarterly," said Senator Murray.

"The main thrust of these recommendations is to ensure that neither the formulation nor the execution of political party policy is unduly influenced by their donors.

"A third area of needed reform is the Australian Constitution. It is notoriously difficult to get advancement in the area of constitutional reforms and the Democrats have been at the forefront of this debate for 26 years—we want to see greater progress in this area.

"We urge the Government to put the necessary constitutional reforms on fixed and four year terms, and section 44, at the next federal election.

"The Constitution needs to reflect the evolving nature of Australian policies and practice.

"We must bring Australia in line with other democratically progressive nations of the world," concluded Senator Murray.

(A copy of the Supplementary Remarks is available upon request.)