[Greens-Media] AHA, Liberals, Labor on political donation unity ticket against Greens, Xenophon

[Newman, Freya (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

MEDIA COMMENT
6 June 2016

AHA, Liberals, Labor on political donation unity ticket against Greens, Xenophon

Greens spokesperson for democracy Senator Lee Rhiannon has commented on reports today that industry lobby group Australian Hotels Association will bankroll the major parties in order to target the Greens and Nick Xenophon.

“Once again the AHA have been caught out donating to the major parties with the Intent to undermine parties and candidates who work for limits on unfair gambling.

“Coalition and Labor MPs have received big donations from the AHA. After past elections these parties have benefited the interests of AHA members by voting against gambling reforms.

"We saw the worst of it with Kevin Andrews’ gambling policy. Labor also did a 180 turn and backed the Abbott government’s weakening of pokie reforms.

“Often the best way to forecast the issues that the major parties will fight for is by looking at who they receive the most political donations from. This is regressive and damages our democratic institutions.

“Political parties should be governing in the interests of communities, not in the interests of who donates to their bank accounts.

“Labor has said that they want to reform our donations laws but continue to play this cynical game. And then they wonder why young people aren’t enrolling to vote, why people are disenfranchised by the political system and why so many have little trust in politicians.

“Labor, the Coalition and industry lobby groups are on a unity ticket this election to shut out the Greens, independents and rival parties because they are very comfortable with the two party system.

Media contact: Freya Newman 0411 669 022