Reform is needed to ensure politicians put the interests of people, our planet, and future generations before those of big political donors, a Parliamentary Committee will hear today. 

The Human Rights Law Centre and the Australian Conservation Foundation are set to give evidence to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, which is reviewing the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Donation Reform and Other Measures) Bill 2020) (Cth) put forward by Senator Jacqui Lambie to provide more transparency for donations to Federal politicians.

The proposed law would lower the threshold for donations that need to be disclosed from $14,300 per year to $5,000 per year, and require them to be disclosed in real time. The changes would be a much needed step in the right direction, although some amendments are needed to ensure small grassroots organisations aren’t effectively barred from speaking out on their issues by a heavy administrative burden. 

Alice Drury, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre:

“Australians ought to be able to trust that our Government is putting the health of people and our planet at the heart of decisions which will shape our society and economy for generations to come. But the current laws allow for wealthy people to make big political donations in secret, creating a real risk of corruption and conflict of interest. Today, we call on the Committee to support reforms that will create more transparency and restore trust in our democracy.”

“These proposed laws would be a first step toward the reforms needed to protect our democracy. We urgently need limits on political donations and election spends, because your ability to be heard on issues that matter to you shouldn’t depend on the size of your bank balance.” 

Jolene Elberth from the Australian Conservation Foundation: 

“Last year we saw over 100 million dollars from unidentified sources being given to the major political parties. Senator Lambie’s bill is all about shining a light on the enormous amounts of dark money flowing into our political system.”

“When we entrust our elected representatives to make decisions on our behalf, like on important environmental and planning approvals, the public is entitled to know who’s trying to sway them with big political donations.”

The Committee hearing comes just one week after submissions were made on legislation proposed by the Greens, aimed at capping political donations and prohibiting some industries from donating altogether. 

The Human Rights Law Centre’s submission on Senator Lambie’s Bill can be found here. 

The Human Rights Law Centre’s submission on the Greens’ Bill can be found here. 

Media contact:

Michelle Bennett, Communications Director, 0419 100 519