[Greens-Media] Greens call for Independent Audit of 2007 state election returns

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release
15 April 2008

Greens call for Independent Audit of 2007 state election returns

Greens MP and donations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called for an
independent audit of the 2007 state election candidate returns as a
necessary step to restore public confidence in the political process.

"Premier Iemma has promised donations reform but NSW Labor is paralysed in
the grip of its donations scandals and cannot see a clear way forward," said
Ms Rhiannon.


"The Greens are demanding urgent action to fix the donations mess, starting
with an independent review of all 2007 NSW election returns by the Auditor
General.


"Labor can't be trusted to conduct an internal audit of developer donations.
They should immediately hand over all their election campaign records to the
Auditor General's office for an independent audit.


"The Auditor General should make public its findings within three months.


"The Greens are also calling on the Liberal Party to hand over election
records for an independent audit of its developer donations for the 2007 NSW
Election.


"The 32 sitting Liberal MPs failed to disclose a single campaign donation
between them, despite declaring $5 million in expenditure.  They should
re-submit their campaign declarations and include their campaign donations.


"We have many examples, such as Barry O'Farrell's Ku-ring-gai Business
breakfast held in March 2006, where he accepted $1,500 from Leighton
Holdings.  No donations were declared in his election return, nor in any of
his colleagues' returns.


"The Greens also want a commitment by Labor and the Liberals to stop taking
donations from developers until the independent audit is completed.


"That both major parties are busy organising their next big fundraiser shows
they are in denial that the era of big corporate fundraising is over.


"The Greens will continue to push for a Royal Commission into the impact of
excessive donations on decision making in NSW.


"The Greens are drafting terms of reference for a Royal Commission style
donations inquiry.  We will seek support for this in the next session of
Parliament," said Ms Rhiannon.


For more information:  Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568