The Gutwein Liberal Government has finally released the long-awaited report into political donation laws in Tasmania, containing a raft of recommendations in line with reforms Labor has been calling for.
Shadow Attorney-General Ella Haddad said Labor had progressed the donation reform debate and kept the issue on the agenda for more than four years despite constant opposition from the Liberal Government.
"Just a year ago the Premier ruled out any action, in fact ridiculing Labor for bringing on a Private Member's Bill on donation reform," Ms Haddad said.
"So it is encouraging that today Mr Gutwein - in releasing this report - has accepted its recommendation in principle, including donation disclosure for parties and candidates, banning foreign donations and investigating spending caps and public funding.
"However, it is one thing to say you accept the recommendations in principle, it's another to put that support into practice.
"The Premier needs to tell Tasmanians if he intends to have legislation ready to be debated soon and whether any changes will be in place before the next election next March.
"If he does not, it is another broken promise from Peter Gutwein.
"Labor is looking forward to working constructively on the way forward to bring Tasmania into line with other states.
"It's critical that now Mr Gutwein has accepted the findings of this report that he acts as soon as possible so that Tasmania no longer has the worst political donation laws in the country."
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Attorney General
