Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Justice spokesperson
Figures released today by the Australian Electoral Commission demonstrate the increasingly urgent need to reform Tasmania’s political donations laws.
Despite the community outrage following the corrupting influence of donations at the last state election, there has been no action on this issue from the Liberals since then.
This year the Liberals kept the source of $1.7 million dollars of their revenue secret – a whopping 92%. Instead of strengthening Tasmania’s democracy, they have hidden the source of more donations than ever.
Despite Labor’s calls for reform, their practices are in lock step with the Liberals – this year they only disclosed the source of a pitiful 6% of their donations. If Labor really are serious about this issue, they must start putting their money where their mouth is.
The Greens not only meet the AEC’s donations disclosure requirements, we also publicly list all donors who give more than $1,500 during a financial year on our website.
Around the world the corrupting influence of money in politics is weakening democracies, and as it stands Tasmania is no different. Voters should know who’s funding the political parties they vote for. Stronger political donations laws will help ensure government decisions are in the best interests of everyone, not just the rich and powerful.
The Greens will continue to push for political donations reform. In the meantime, we call on the Liberals and Labor to follow our lead and voluntarily release the details of their donors who contribute over $1,500.