Following Prime Minister Turnbull's encouraging comments about exploring 'more timely' political donations disclosure, Premier Hodgman should follow suit.
Donations' reform is fundamental to democracy, so voters can be fully informed about who gave how much, to which party, before an election. It is about being open and transparent with the people you seek to represent.
Tasmania is heading towards a State election where pokies and Federal Hotels' monopoly deed will be key issues. Under current arrangements, Tasmanian voters won't know until more than a year after polling day who Federal has donated to, how much and to what end.
Since 2002, the Federal Group has donated almost $150,000 to the Labor and Liberal Parties.
The Liberals have accepted large sums from the Federal Group over the last 15 years, and those donations have contributed to maintaining the status quo on pokies and all the human misery that entails.
The Tasmanian Greens are implementing real time donations' disclosure, following our State Conference last year, which will be in place before the next State election. Other parties should do the same, to respect the electorate.
Unlike the establishment parties, we don't take dirty money from the likes of Federal or the fossil fuel industry which is paid by donors with an expectation of political influence.
Those who donate to the Greens know their contributions can help to create a greener, more sustainable Tasmania. That's all they expect - and are promised - in return for their contribution.
