[Greens-Media] Cheque book electioneering perverts democracy

[Kristian Bolwell]

MEDIA RELEASE
30 March 2005

Cheque book electioneering perverts democracy


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has warned that Australia's State and Federal
elections are becoming little more than vote buying exercises where the
money a candidate spends can determine who forms Government.

"It is clearly perverse for a candidate to be able to spend over
$600,000 on a single seat election," Lee Rhiannon said.

 "Our current electoral laws need comprehensive review if people can
effectively buy their way into Parliament.

"This shows that NSW electoral laws must be fixed before the next
State election.

"Whether its capping spending or providing better amounts of public
funding, there has to be a fairer way than this cheque book
electioneering.

"That kind of money simply leaves opponents for dead and does nothing
to improve people's trust in politicians or the political process.

"It is impossible to see how this is a fair outcome, when the person
with the largest bank account wins on the day.  

"This is nothing more than pre-emptive pork barrelling" Lee
Rhiannon said.
 

More information:  Kristian Bolwell, 9230 3551, 0411638320