03/2008
1 February 2008
The 85% drop in political donor disclosures over the past three years, revealed in today’s Australian Electoral Commission annual financial disclosure returns, highlights a stark erosion in the integrity of Australia’s electoral system.
The number of disclosed donations dropped from 1,286 in 2004/05 down to only 194 in 2006/07.
This drop is solely due to the increase in the disclosure thresholds to $10,300, forced through Parliament by the Howard Government in 2006.
Labor has always believed a transparent disclosure regime is integral to our democratic system. It is absolutely unacceptable that significant donations to political parties and candidates can be hidden.
As the new Special Minister of State, I will make strengthening disclosure rules to achieve maximum transparency in our electoral system a top priority.
Labor proposes to bring integrity back into the electoral system by reversing the massive increase in donation disclosure thresholds legislated by the Howard Government.
Labor will be introducing new measures to re-establish transparency in the Australian electoral system - including strengthening the disclosure provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
Electoral disclosure rules also be considered in the review of the conduct of the 2007 General Election by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
| Media Contacts: |
Website: |
| Media Adviser - Colin Campbell - 0407 787 181 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |