Media Releases

Greens Shrill On Corporates and Whisper on Unions [23rd Sep, 2004]
by Senator Andrew Murray

Reacting to the Green Party Senator Browns press release on political donations today, Senator Andrew Murray said the Greens were long-term business bashers and it showed again in this press release.

"Ive been a long-time admirer of Senator Brown as a politician able to get media attention on issues, and Im delighted hes now joining the Democrats in our decades-long fight for serious political donations reform.

"Two things worry me though bias and effort. First, bias. Bobs headline says it all 'End corporate donations say Greens'. Thats where the Greens efforts are really focussed on corporates. Later in the press release they do say 'The Greens propose to prohibit corporate and union donations' - if that is finally their policy we Democrats will applaud that intent.

"Second, effort. As a seasoned Senator Brown watcher I know the Greens mostly conduct politics by protest, press release and soap-boxing. And very effective they are at it too. But where was Bob when we were in inquiries, committees and in the Senate trying to amend corporate, union and political donations laws? We needed help in our lone fight.

"So where do the Greens stand on these questions?

Why are foreign political donations still allowed in Australia?

Why is it okay for unions comprised of non members of Labor to make huge political donations, and to control Labor policy and Labor preselections?

Why hasnt it been made a crime for political donations to come with strings attached? (Like Part 1VA of tax law there should be a general anti-avoidance provision). (Labor and the Coalition have voted Democrat amendments down, that attempted to stop corruption.)

Why have both Howard and Latham voted against Democrat amendments requiring union members and company shareholders to approve the political donations policies of companies and unions?

"The Greens always preference Labor over the Coalition. They bash business and are one-eyed on the unions.

"The Democrats do not favour either major party and we are beholden neither to business or unions. This fact alone makes it vital that the Senate balance of power role is held on these matters by the Democrats, a Party with proven courage and independence," Senator Murray concluded.


For the full Democrat agenda see our website, our extensive attempts at Senate amendments, and our Supplementary Remarks to the June 2003 Report into the 2001 Federal election by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.