[Greens-Media] Industry call to ban developer donations puts Iemma to the test

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE  
19 August 2005 

 Industry call to ban developer donations puts Iemma to the test


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Iemma to act on the call of a prominent lobby group and prohibit property developers funding candidates and political parties running in local council elections.  

"Premier Iemma has no excuse not to ban donations from developers to candidates and political parties involved in local government elections. All the key stake holders have indicated support for the ban," Ms Rhiannon said today.  

"Now that the NSW Urban Taskforce, a developers' lobby group, has joined the NSW Local Government Association in calling for a ban on developer donations Mr Iemma has no excuse but to bring in the necessary legislation.  

"Mr Iemma needs to be bolder than his predecessor on the call to ban developer donations. Premier Carr spoke of his concern but failed to act.  

"Mr Iemma faces a clear test - can he take the first step in limiting the damage developer donations are inflicting on the political process by banning such contributions at the local government level.  

"This is a tough test for the new Premier as his party has a close association with big and small developers. In the financial year 2003-4 the property industry donated $1.37 million to the NSW ALP. In the last seven years $6.89 million has been donated.  

"The Greens have been calling for a ban on developer donations for over a decade. Using money from the property industry to fund elections is having a corrupting impact on our democratic processes.  

"Our parliamentary office receives numerous complaints from local residents who believe their community is losing out because a developer has undue sway over council decisions," Ms Rhiannon said. 

Information on donations to all political parties can be viewed at www.democracy4sale.org    


More information: Kristian Bolwell - 92303551, 0411638320


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email   lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    www.nsw.greens.org.au/lee

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