GG 36/12
21 May 2012
Special Minister of State Gary Gray said today the Commonwealth remained committed to increasing the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.
This included the funding and conduct of elections under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
Mr Gray said the government was currently considering the Report on the Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM).
The Government would be developing further legislative amendments.
“The Australian Electoral Commission’s analysis of the Fair Work Australia report, released publicly on May 16, has been referred to JSCEM for its consideration,” Mr Gray said.
“The AEC identified four payments totalling $17,014.88 about which further information is being sought.
“Otherwise all other remaining amounts identified in the FWA Report, which total more than $250,000, that were required to be disclosed under the Electoral Act have been disclosed.”
Mr Gray said the AEC had advised that any financial assistance provided by the NSW branch of the ALP to the Member for Dobell was not required to be disclosed by the Member under the Electoral Act. The NSW branch was obliged to report such payment as part of its annual return, although payments to individuals did not have to be itemised.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| John Arthur - 0408 991 261 | www.smos.gov.au |