[Greens-Media] Gillard: time to follow NSW lead on electoral funding reform

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 October 2010

Gillard: time to follow NSW lead on electoral funding reform

Greens NSW Senator-elect Lee Rhiannon has called on the Gillard government
to move quickly to bring federal electoral funding legislation into
line with changes
announced by the Keneally government.

“The NSW election funding and donations reform package provides a lead
for similar
reforms in other states and federally,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“These changes are a significant step to ending corporate money politics in
Australia.

"The legislation due to pass the NSW parliament in coming weeks will
help to restore
confidence in our democratic processes and the institution of parliament.

“I urge the Prime Minister and the Special Minister of State Gary Gray
to request a
briefing from the Keneally government on what has been achieved.

“The 2011 NSW state election will be conducted under rules requiring limits on
election expenditure, caps on donations and restrictions on third parties.

“This is a first for Australia and clearly is a massive improvement on the money
politics that have dominated state and federal elections for the past decade.

“One significant achievement in the proposed legislation is that money will be
provided for new and emerging parties. Labor accepted this proposal from the
Greens.

“The Greens remain committed to a total ban on donations from corporations and
other organisations and strict limits on money from individuals.

“Although a total ban on donations is our preferred position, the proposed
cap on corporate donations at $5000 for a party and $2000 for a
candidates is a big
advance on the open cheque book style currently operating.

“The breakthrough on political donations in NSW ushers in a new era in managing
elections and the Prime Minister would be wise to move quickly to
demonstrate her
own commitment to reform in this area,” Ms Rhiannon said.

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