Media Release: Fight to Secure Real Political Donations Reform Continues

Fight to Secure Real Political Donations Reform Continues

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb made a last ditch call on Labor to engage with the current Upper House debate on the Electoral Disclosure and Funding Bill and work with independent members to secure meaningful political donations reform.

“The debate must have been a travesty in the eyes of those who had worked with Labor to develop sound amendments to strengthen the proposed political donations laws,” Ms Webb said.

“How shocking it was to see Labor cross the floor and vote with the Government to defeat sound and worthwhile amendments they themselves intended to move up until a few weeks ago.

“Attempts to reduce the donation disclosure threshold failed 7 independents to 7 Labor and Liberal, with Labor voting to keep it at the absurd amount of $5000 contrary to their previous commitment to reduce it to $1000.

“Sadly, this is the pattern we expect to see as debate continues, but it does not need to be so.”

Ms Webb said if Labor voted in support, significant electoral spending caps, donations caps and truth in advertising reforms could be secured when the debate resumes.

“The Bill is already amended. We know it will go back to the Lower House and we know that Chamber has already voted to make clear it intends to debate an amended Bill as soon as possible – so the door is open –  but will Labor step up and walk through?

“Or will they continue with these self-serving political games that leave the community and our democracy the loser?

Ms Webb said she and other Upper House members would continue to argue the case for necessary amendments as debate on the Bill recommences later today.

“It is a fundamental responsibility for all MPs to work to represent their constituents now, instead of some hypothetical time in the future.

“It is always concerning when politicians vote against their principles and what they know to be evidence-based and in the public interest.”