Media Releases

Less Secrecy Needed in Political Donations, Not More [20th May, 2005]
by Senator Lyn Allison and Senator Andrew Murray

The Australian Democrats have condemned plans by the Government to allow larger secret donations to political parties, describing it as policy for sale behind closed doors.

A report in the Financial Review today said the Federal Government planned to more than triple the amount businesses and individuals could donate in secret, and increase individuals tax deductions.

Australias federal and state political donations laws need to be much stronger, not weakened," said Democrats leader Senator Lyn Allison. There are already multi-millions in political donations not accounted for, which brings with it the danger of corruption.

If this is what the Coalition plans to do with their Senate majority after June, the state of our democracy could deteriorate drastically by the next election, Senator Allison said.

Australian democracy should be strengthened by banning foreign donations and donations with strings attached, as well as forcing disclosure of who is behind clubs, trusts and foundations," Senator Andrew Murray, Democrats Electoral Matters spokesperson said.

Further, union members and company shareholders should be required to approve the political donations policies of companies and unions. The Democrats also argue for a cap of $100,000 on any donation made to any party or candidate.

The major parties received hundreds of millions of dollars over the political cycle, between them. They have always voted down Democrats amendments to ban foreign donations, and to disclose the secret funders behind big political donations from clubs, trusts and foundations.

"There are serious questions to be asked about what pay back is given for political donations and whether our political system is becoming corrupted, said Senator Murray.

The Democrats said plans to increase the tax deduction for individual donors was offensive. The Coalition are basically saying, dont donate to charity, donate to us, Senator Allison conclud