Media Release: Election Integrity Lessons Ignored by Major Parties

Integrity Lessons Ignored by Major Parties

7 March 2024

Independent for Nelson Meg Webb today called on all parties to put integrity at the forefront in this election campaign when making promises and announcing funding commitments.

“Halfway through this election campaign and sadly it appears previous pork-barrelling warnings from the Integrity Commission are being ignored by Tasmania’s major parties,” Ms Webb said.

“In addition, by refusing to disclose significant donations, voters are unable to judge whether money is buying policy commitments.

“Concerns were raised about pork-barrelling, or informal election bribery, which were on shameless display during the 2021 State election in the Liberal’s community grants promises.”

Ms Webb said two years ago the Integrity Commission recommended transparency reforms to election commitment processes be legislated before the next State election.

“The government failed to do so and is now flouting the Commission’s advice.

“In its 2022 report the Integrity Commission stated: ‘… it is unavoidable that grant promises will continue to be made with little process or policy backing, and may be – or be perceived to be – for political outcomes only i.e. pork barrelling. This can undermine trust in government, and in the democratic process itself.’

“Tasmanian taxpayers’ money should not be treated as vote-buying slush fund by major parties.

“There is clear best practice laid out by our Integrity Commission on how parties can make election funding commitments with integrity during election campaigns – every party should sign up to that model.”

Ms Webb said further concerns arise when policies and tax payer- funded grants are promised to specific industries and corporate entities with no visibility on the possible influence of political donations.

“When announcing major policy commitments or promising gifted taxpayers’ money, all parties must be upfront and declare whether they have received donations or other forms of support in the past year from any industry or corporate beneficiaries of that policy.

“Parties should also declare whether any potential industry or corporate beneficiaries paid to attend any special party events in the past year held to provide access to current or prospective MPs.”

Ms Webb said such events and the provision of large donations are seen by many vested interests as worthwhile investments in securing potential positive election policy or funding commitments.

“Parties of all stripes like to loudly state their commitment to transparency.

“During an election campaign, it is vital that all parties walk the talk, particularly when making announcements that will see taxpayer funds and resources benefit the private sector or party supporters or be deployed to buy votes.

“This unhealthy secretive relationship between parties, large donors and influential stakeholders is a key reason the community is rejecting political parties and looking towards independents.

“There is less likelihood for independents to cut the kind of deal that seeks to boost electoral chances by promising to line the pockets of others.”

Further Information:

Tasmanian Integrity Commission, Ethical Conduct and Potential Misconduct Risks in Tasmanian Parliamentary Elections Research Paper Series:

• Paper 2 Grant Commitments in Election Campaigns, April 2022.
• Paper 1: Tasmania’s Electoral Act Offences and Campaign Conduct, 2021.

View a Background Briefing Paper on Election Integrity released by Meg, either below or ia a link here: