[Greens-Media] Family First's missing $275, 000: Greens call on Bob Day to explain

[Newman, Freya (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

[cid:image001.png at 01D1D1ED.D0969980]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 June 2016

Family First's missing $275,000: Greens call on Bob Day to explain

Research undertaken by the Greens has revealed large donations being paid from Bob Day and his private company to Family First.



Significant irregularities have also been found in the disclosure of donations and loans made by Bob Day and his private company, leaving about $275,000 unaccounted for.



Greens democracy spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said, "I have written to the AEC to request a compliance review, including a review of the terms and conditions of the loans provided by Bob Day.



"Family First's disclosure irregularities are more evidence that we need far reaching reform of political donations and increased penalties for violations.



"People understandably become frustrated and cynical about our democratic process when they see rich individuals like Bob Day and Clive Palmer bankrolling their own political careers.



"The payments made from Bob Day and his private company to Family First add weight to the Greens' call for political donation reform.



"Caps on political donations and election expenditure are urgently required to help restore confidence in our democratic system.



"Political donation reform is urgently required to help ensure elections are a contest of ideas, not bank transfers.





Media Contact - Freya Newman 0411 669 022





Background:



Donations



AEC returns record $938,975 in payments from Bob Day or his private company to Family First from 2010-11 to 2014-15.



One large amount of $381,775 in 2012-13 has not been recorded as either a 'donation' or 'other receipt' in Family First's return, which appears to be a breach of disclosure requirements. http://periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au/Returns/51/RCRI9.pdf





Loans



FF's 2011-12 return originally showed $57,360 in total debts to "B Day". An amended return submitted 18 months later then disclosed total debts of $1,089,000 to "Robert John Day". http://periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au/Returns/49/PUFL1A01.pdf



The 2012-13 return records $1,470,775 being owed to "B & B Day Pty Ltd". http://periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au/Returns/51/RCRI9.pdf



The 2013-14 return records no debt owed to Bob Day or the company. Given this, we would expect FF to have made payments of at least $1.47m to have paid off the loan. Yet the disclosure only records $1,194,882 in payments. http://periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au/Returns/55/SKAJ7.pdf