My Commitment
Tasmanian’s deserve better than the continued ‘secret deals’ between successive governments and private interests. This undermines our democratic system and it is unsurprising that Tasmanians are fed up with our politicians and the major parties’ vested interests.
As an independent member of Tasmania’s Legislative Council, I am committed to do my part in restoring honesty in Tasmanian politics. This means providing full transparency on my actions as a representative for the people of Nelson, as well as holding the government’s actions accountable.
Strengthening our Democracy
Priorities for strengthening integrity:
It is clear we must address eroding public trust. We need to prioritise the following:
- Political donations disclosures laws
- Addressing the lack of equity in the provision of public funding provided for in the current laws across both Chambers
- Fixed term elections – I have previously called for the introduction of Fixed Four-Year Terms for the Assembly. Tasmania is the only state without this provision
- The establishment of a Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
Parliamentary and Community action
Political Donations Reform
Tasmania has the weakest political donation laws in the country, with our laws so inadequate that the vast majority of political donations are kept secret.
In order to begin rebuilding trust in Tasmania’s parliament, we must begin by bringing our donation laws in line with the rest of the country.
Our electoral donation laws must be updated so that any political donation over $1000 is declared publicly, declarations are made public within 30 days, and so limits on campaign expenditure that exists for the Legislative Council elections, should be extended to House of Assembly Tasmanian elections.
