The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the positive response of Australia's leading integrity experts following the announcement of sweeping reforms to election donations and spending in Queensland.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said those pushing hardest for changes to electoral systems around the country have come out strongly in support of the initiatives.
"These changes are about making elections fairer, transparent and just – and taking money out of politics," Mrs D'Ath said.
Political donations will be capped at a maximum of $6,000 to candidates of the same party, $4,000 for political parties and $4,000 to a maximum of six third parties over four years, and election and electorate expenditure will also be capped.
The Centre for Public Integrity, a collaboration of former judges and integrity experts whose board members include the Honourable Tony Fitzgerald AC QC - and the Human Rights Law Centre have welcomed the proposed changes," Mrs D'Ath said.
Centre for Public Integrity – media release 29 October 2019 - for full release go to https://tinyurl.com/yxqv3kv6
"The Centre for Public Integrity welcomes these reforms of electoral laws in Queensland," said the Hon Anthony Whealy QC, former judge and Chair of The Centre for Public Integrity. Queensland will now have the strongest political donations laws in the country. We commend the Queensland Government for taking action to improve transparency and accountability."
Human Rights Law Centre – media release 29 October 2019 – for full release go to https://tinyurl.com/y26ydq6v
The Palaszczuk Government's announcement today that it will limit political donations and spending in Queensland elections has the potential to be a game changing reform to strengthen Queensland democracy, the Human Rights Law Centre said today…
"Without limits on political donations and election spending, politicians will respond to those with the biggest bank balance, instead of those with the best ideas. Australians are fed up with the status quo. We need a level playing field. Election campaigns should be a time when people with important things to say on matters of public interest can be heard, not just those with enough cash to buy a national platform."
The Attorney said, that leaves the LNP as the lone voice opposing these laws to make elections fairer.
"We shouldn't be surprised, they have form on this issue, fighting tooth and nail to stop the ban on developer donations and the $1000 disclosure laws," Mrs D'Ath said.
"Labor wants to put a cap on donations and election spending to take money out of politics – the LNP wants no limits at all so the biggest wallet wins."
