Media Releases

Abetz - No Ban on Foreign Political Donations [8th Feb, 2006]
by Senator Andrew Murray


The Australian Democrats today in the Senate pressed the Howard Government to state when it would reform electoral funding laws to stop overseas cash pouring into Australian political parties.
"Don't hold your breath," was the subtext of the answer provided to the Senate by the Special Minister of State, Eric Abetz. According to Senator Abetz the government considers that "sort of funding flow is appropriate" as "all political parties have had some benefit."
Democrats' Electoral Matters spokesperson, Senator Andrew Murray said the government should reconsider its position if it is to stem increasing public concern that our democracy is for sale.
"Around 2 million dollars in the last seven years has been sourced from the Channel Islands, New Zealand, Sweden, the Philippines, Great Britain, Lichtenstein, Germany, China, Hong Kong, the USA, Japan, India, Fiji and Taiwan," Senator Murray said.
"There is nothing appropriate about that sort of funding flow, to paraphrase Senator Abetz. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
"A number of democracies, including the USA, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom ban foreign donations to domestic political parties to stop foreign influence in domestic political affairs it is a protection Australia should embrace," Senator Murray said.
"Offshore based foundations, trusts or clubs, or individuals funded from tax havens are a real danger to our democracy because they are often hidden and beyond the reach of our laws.
"Australian political parties do not need foreign revenue streams to fund campaigns to retain or win government. What secures public support is good people and good policies. Turning a blind eye to this issue is not good policy," Senator Murray concluded.