[Greens-Media] Donations shift to Coalition

[John Kaye]

Donations shift to Coalition
 
Media release: 5 October 2010
 
The release of the latest NSW political donation figures shows that an
O'Farrell government would come to office carrying the same baggage from
big end of town that compromised its predecessor, according to Greens
NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: “The fortunes of the major parties may shift but the
culture of donations remains unchanged in NSW.
 
"The business community has swapped horses in the lead up to the March
2011 state election.
 
"In the second half of 2009, the ALP declared taking $2.5 million and
the Coalition $1.9 million. 
 
"In the first half of 2010, the numbers almost swapped with the
Coalition declaring $2.5 million while the ALP received $1.8 million.
 
"Political donations underpin the culture of cronyism and the
perception that favouritism plays a role in access to ministers and the
making of decisions.
 
"Business is getting in early in case Premier Kristina Keneally's new
laws are passed by parliament and make donations much less convenient
for them.
 
"The only way the Coalition can avoid being perceived as NSW Labor 2.0
is to announce that it will work with the Greens to eradicate the cancer
of corporate donations from public life,” Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
Overview of NSW Electoral Funding Authority Jan - Jun 2010 donations
 
In the period from January to June 2010, the major parties reported to
the NSW Election Funding Authority (EFA) receipt of 1,743 donations
totalling $4,438,088:
 
Labor NSW $1,844,270
Liberal NSW $2,141,911
National NSW $413,987
Greens NSW $37,920
 
This is almost the same total as disclosed in the previous six month
period, July to Dec 2009, which was $4,485,161.