[Greens-Media] Upper House backs Greens call for inquiry into donations

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE - 27 June 2007

Upper House backs Greens call for inquiry into donations

Greens MP and donations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today welcomed the decision of the NSW Upper House to establish an inquiry into donations to political parties and candidates.

"This Inquiry is long overdue. There is growing public disquiet about the millions of dollars political parties receive to run their election campaigns", Ms Rhiannon said.

"I will ask that the Inquiry request that key political figures including Paul Keating, Carmen Lawrence and Bob Carr who have spoken publicly about the political party donation process give evidence to this Inquiry.

"The Greens campaigned for this Inquiry in the recent state election campaign so we are very pleased that we won the support of all MPs to undertake this important work. 

"The Inquiry will be undertaken by a select committee of six Upper House MPs", said Ms Rhiannon. 

The terms of reference for the Inquiry requires that the committee investigate -
·all matters associated with electoral funding and disclosure, 
·the advantages and disadvantages of banning all donations from corporations, unions and organizations to parties and candidates,
·the advantages and disadvantages of introducing limits upon expenditure in election campaigns, 
·the impact of political donations on the democratic process, and any related matters. 

Contact:  Lee Rhiannon  0427 861 568