[Greens-Media] Rees and O'Farrell challenged to support Bligh fundraiser ban

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
2 August 2009

Rees and O'Farrell challenged to support Bligh fundraiser ban

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Premier Nathan Rees and Opposition leader Barry O'Farrell to follow the example of Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and ban their MPs from political fundraising functions with businesses.

"Premier Bligh's move to stop her MPs attending events aimed at raising funds from corporations is a courageous step and should be supported by other Australian political party leaders," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"Ms Bligh's action will change the face of political fundraising in Queensland and enhance democracy in that state. 

"Her statement that 'these sort of fundraisers have had their day' lays down the challenge to all state Premiers and the Prime Minister. 

"Ms Bligh found the courage to act on the day that the Galaxy poll revealed 65 per cent of Queenslanders believe corruption and cronyism are widespread in their government. The poll was conducted for the Sunday Mail. 

"Last week Ms Bligh called for a national ban on political donations.

"The action of the Queensland Premier also puts pressure on the federal government and opposition to bring in nationwide reforms to electoral funding and limits on campaign expenditure. 

"Since the new Special Minister of State, Joe Ludwig, took over from Senator John Faulkner the drive appears to have gone out of federal Labor's electoral funding reform plans. 

"Premier Bligh's fund raising ban should now be used by Labor to kick start far reaching reforms," Ms Rhiannon said. 



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