You are here

Political Donations


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Liberal and Labor Donations Secrecy Continues

The AEC's new year electoral returns data has once again highlighted the opaque, corrupted nature of political donations in Tasamania

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2023


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

New Legislation but Tasmania Will Still Have Weakest Donations Laws in the Country

Four years after gambling interests bought the election for the Liberals, new donations disclosure and electoral laws were tabled in Parliament today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 May 2022


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

AEC Donations Disclosure Confirms Desperate Need for Electoral Reform

Today’s Australian Electoral Commission donations show the desperate need for electoral reform.Dark money from vested interests continues to flow in to the majo

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2022


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Passage of Gambling Legislation Has Pokies Barons Popping Champagne Corks

In one of the Tasmanian Parliament’s darkest days, the Liberals’ gambling framework legislation has passed both Houses of Parliament with Labor’s full support.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  25 Nov 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Amendment (Integrity of Elections) Bill 2021

In lutruwita/Tasmania, as in many democratic societies, constant vigilance is needed to ensure the foundations of our democracy are strong.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Law Reform - Corporate Donations

The debate on the future gaming markets bill has demonstrated to Tasmanians the toxic, corrosive influence of corporate donations on both Liberal and Labor.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  24 Nov 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Liberals Vote Against Electoral Reform, Back in Damaged Democracy

The Liberals’ disinterest in a genuinely robust democracy, was on show in Parliament once again today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  24 Nov 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Greens Table Bill to Clean Up Elections

On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I tabled the Electoral Amendment (Integrity of Elections) Bill 2021 in Parliament today.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  11 Nov 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

Our opposition to this bill, which entrenches a rotten, life destroying, poker machine empire in disadvantaged communities has been long and consistent.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Oct 2021


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gaming Control Amendment (Future Gaming Market) Bill 2021

As we know, the proliferation of poker machines in areas of socio-economic disadvantage across the state has had a profoundly harmful impact.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Oct 2021


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gaming Industry

I want to talk about the unhealthy relationship between the gambling industry and the two major parties in this state.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  12 Oct 2021


Parliament House, Tasmania

Tasmania Needs Strong Electoral Laws

The Tasmanian Greens have made a comprehensive submission to the government’s electoral reform consultation.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  29 Sep 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Act Review – Electoral Disclosure and Funding Bill 2021 and Electoral Matters (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2021

The proposed laws when considered collectively, in our opinion, would still be the weakest of any state or territory in Australia.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  28 Sep 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Gutwein Has No Mandate for Casino Pokies Tax Rate

The Liberals’ secret casino tax agreement with their major donors, Federal Group, has finally been made public today.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Jul 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Van Dairy Farm - Political Donation

Van Dairy donated $25 000 to the Liberals in 2018. That is a donation we know of.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  30 Jun 2021


Tasmanian Farm, Cows

Liberals Silent on Van Dairy Cruelty and Pollution

Tasmanians still don’t know whether anything has changed for the better for animals or the local environment at and near Van Dairy’s farms.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Jun 2021


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Day 13: Peter Gutwein Still Withholding Truth from Voters

Peter Gutwein is being utterly contemptuous of voters in hiding the truth about the secret casino pokies tax deal he’s agreed to give the Federal Group.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  7 Apr 2021


Shaking Hands

Day Ten: Pokies Secrecy Continues

Ten days into the State election campaign and the secrecy from Labor and the Liberals continue.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Apr 2021


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Liberals Must Come Clean on Donations

Australian Electoral Commission returns since the last state election show a massive $10.2 million in undisclosed donations to the major parties.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Mar 2021


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Reform Legislation

What we do not know is the source of 92 per cent of Liberal Party donations received in the year 2019-20.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  23 Mar 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Premier Walks Away From Electoral Reform

It looks almost certain Tasmanians will again go to the polls without knowing which corporate donors are giving how much to the major parties

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  23 Mar 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Action Not Words Needed on Electoral Reform

Today's release of the Final Report from the Electoral Act Review is long overdue, but the contents of the report fall far short of what is required. 

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  16 Feb 2021


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Political Donations More Secret Than Ever

Figures released today by the Australian Electoral Commission demonstrate the increasingly urgent need to reform Tasmania’s political donations laws.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2021


Shaking Hands

TT-Line – Spirit Replacements

It would be instructive to the committee to know where the potential capacity is to build a large steel hull vessel, like a Spirit replacement.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  8 Dec 2020


Shaking Hands

Electoral Amendment (Electoral Expenditure and Political Donations) Bill 2020

Politics in Tasmania, in many ways, is damaged by our lack of any donations disclosure framework beyond the Commonwealth law.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  11 Nov 2020


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Electoral Donations Laws

These debates about Tasmania's weak political donations laws have been a feature of the Greens' discourse in this place going back a very long time.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  16 Sep 2020


Shaking Hands

Political Donations Laws - Public Release of Report of Review

The Government is clearly thinking about political donations but through the lens of electoral self-preservation.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  16 Sep 2020


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

In a Worrying Sign, Premier Confesses He Can’t Walk and Chew Gum on Donations Reform

On the International Day of Democracy, Premier Peter Gutwein dismissed public concerns about the need for political donations law reform in Parliament today. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  15 Sep 2020


Shaking Hands

Political Donation Laws Review

The report of the review into Tasmania's political donations laws has been sitting on your Attorney-General's desk since late last year.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  15 Sep 2020


Shaking Hands

Even Paul Lennon Calls for Donations Transparency

On statewide radio this morning, former Labor Premier and mouthpiece for Federal Hotels, Paul Lennon, called for real time disclosure of political donations. 

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 Sep 2020


City Planners Around Table

Major Projects Legislation - Possible Negative Consequences

Late last night this House this passed the major projects legislation with only the Greens voting against it.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  27 Aug 2020


Planning Documents

Where Will Labor Stand on Major Projects?

Tasmanians are passionate defenders of their place. Communities having a say has always been, and should remain, central to planning laws. 

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  17 Aug 2020


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

Labor’s Donations Reform Won’t Take Dirty Money Out of Politics

It’s good to see Labor come to the party on electoral donations law reform in Tasmania. It’s a pity, however, that they stopped at the door.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  13 Jul 2020


Parliament House, Tasmania

Cassy O'Connor Premiers Address Reply

Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise on behalf of the Tasmanian Greens to deliver my response to the Premier's Address on the state of the state.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  4 Mar 2020


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Donations Disclosure Laws

The Government appears to have walked away from any strengthening of Tasmania's nation-leading weakest donations disclosure laws.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  4 Mar 2020


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Gutwein Delaying Donations Reform, Scared of a Fair Fight

Tasmania has the weakest donations disclosure laws in the country. In Parliament today, the Premier showed again he has no interest in fixing them.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  4 Mar 2020


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Gutwein Must Commit to Donations Reform

Tasmanians worried about the state of our democracy would have been even more worried after listening to Premier Peter Gutwein on ABC Radio this morning.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 Feb 2020


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Major Parties Cash in on Secret Millions

Today’s Australian Electoral Commission annual donations returns reveal vested interests are still pouring funds in to the Liberal and Labor parties.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Feb 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gutwein Must Rethink Pokies in his 'Compassionate' Tasmania

In his first statement as Premier, Mr Gutwein said he wanted a more compassionate Tasmania, where no one gets left behind.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  22 Jan 2020


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

THA Quid Pro Quo Continues

The next installment of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association’s quid pro quo has been unveiled by their Liberal partners in government.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Dec 2019


Law Books

Electoral Act Review Submission - Addendum

An addendum to the Electoral Act review submission, pertaining to the High Court decision in relation to section 29(10) of the Electoral Funding Act 2018 (NSW).

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  20 Feb 2019


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Act Review Submission

The Tasmanian greens Submission to the Electoral Act review.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Submission  |  18 Feb 2019


Hobart Private Hospital

Hobart Private Hospital - Healthscope Lease Terms

Rosalie Woodruff questions the Minister for Health over the terms of the new Healthscope Lease.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  4 Sep 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Donations Disclosure Laws

Tasmanians still do not know how many millions the gambling industry poured into the election campaign in order to guarantee profits until 2043.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  6 Aug 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals and Labor in Lock Step on Pokies

The lies and corruption at the heart of the 2018 State Election were laid bare by the sudden closure of the Glenorchy RSL a fortnight ago.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  31 Jul 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Tasmanian Battlers Continue to Bleed Money to Federal Group

The latest Tasmanian Gaming Commission data reveals that in the month of April alone, $1.5 million was poured into the EGMs in Glenorchy.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  10 Jul 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Federal Election 2019 Results

We cannot congratulate the Prime Minister for the result at the federal election because it was a result that reflects deep divisions in the community.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  22 May 2019


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Amendment Bill 2019

Rosalie Woodruff delivers a Second Reading speech for the Electoral Amendment Bill 2019.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Amendment Bill 2019

Cassy O'Connor delivers a Second Reading speech for the Electoral Amendment Bill 2019.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Gambling Policy

Rosalie Woodruff raises the impacts of harming gambling policies in the Greens Matter of Public Importance debate.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Gambling Policy

Cassy O'Connor raises political interference in gambling policy from vested interests in the Greens Matter of Public Importance debate.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gambling Policy

Cassy O'Connor questions the treasurer over tax reform proposals from Federal Group.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Electoral Donations Disclosure Framework

Cassy O'Connor questions the Premier over delays in delivering donation reforms.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  21 Mar 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Liberals Further Reveal Allergy to Donations Reform

This is ridiculous and subversive to a rigorous review process. It is more evidence of this Liberal Government’s allergy to transparency and accountability.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  18 Feb 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Visa Cancellation of Liberal and Labor Donor Demands Repayment

After an extensive investigation of Mr Huang Xiangmo Australian officials have cancelled his permanent residency.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  6 Feb 2019


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Former Liberal Party Treasurer 'Soft Corruption' Claims on Political Donations, Spot On

Statements from former Liberal Party Federal Treasurer and NSW MP, Michael Yabsley, confirm the urgent need for political donation reform in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 Sep 2018


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Electoral Act Review Ignores the Issues

The Tasmanian Greens’ submission to the review of the State’s electoral laws calls for reform of Tasmania’s political donation rules.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  20 Jul 2018


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Political Donations

The Premier allowed his party to be bought and paid for by the gambling industry, accepting millions of dollars from vested interests.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  2 May 2018


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Donations Reform 'Review' a Cop Out

The beneficiary of Tasmania's weak donations' disclosure regime, Will Hodgman, has announced a year-long review into electoral reforms.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  3 May 2018


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Liberals' Foreign Investor Tax Tinkering at the Edges

The Liberals are playing catch up on the growing level of foreign ownership and influence in Tasmania.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 Feb 2018


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Tasmanian Liberals Rake in Donations, Declare Less than a Quarter

The latest AEC disclosure returns reveal the Liberals pocketed $2.39 million in political donations but only declared the sources for $498 000.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Feb 2018


Air View of Houses

Foreign Ownership and Influence

Almost 25% of our state’s agricultural land is under a level of foreign ownership, and foreign donors are making large donations to the Liberals.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  30 Jan 2018


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Greens Committed to Cleaning Up Tasmania's Democracy

For too long, corporate donors wanting to protect their profits have used the money they tip in to the old parties as leverage.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  29 Jan 2018


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals' Pokies Policy the Worst Case Scenario for Community

The Liberals policy will entrench the harm caused, and ignite a competitive marketplace for addiction.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  9 Jan 2018


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

TEELS Westpac Credit Card Sham Costs Revealed

The Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme (TEELS) is nothing more than a Westpac credit card gimmick.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  6 Dec 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals' 'Free Beer' Arrangement with THA Doesn't Pass the Pub Test

The Liberals' arrangement with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association members funding their 'Pub Test' pre-election forums is wrong on so many levels.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  24 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Federal Group - Election Campaign Donations

Andrea Dawkins asks the Premier whether he will rule out his party accepting donations from Federal Group.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Pembroke Electorate - Liberal Party Campaign

The Premier refused to accept any responsibility for donations originating from a company ASIO has warned against accepting donations from.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  1 Nov 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Pokies-Free Pembroke Petition Tabled

In Parliament this morning, ahead of the Pembroke by-election, the Greens tabled a petition expressing community concern about the impact of poker machines.

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  |  Media Release  |  2 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Liberals Refuse to Back Donations Reform

The Premier has failed to be transparent about a $30 000 donation from a Chinese owned company which ASIO warned about in 2015.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Nov 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Premier Deflecting on Donations from Federal Hotels

Pokies baron, Greg Farrell, has said his company will be offering donations to both Labor and the Liberals to help them “articulate” policy.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  1 Nov 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Premier Can't Keep Pointing the Finger at McQuestin

The Premier simply refuses to take responsibility for the conduct and decisions of the political party he leads.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  1 Nov 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Premier Must Explain Why Liberals are Taking Chinese Money

The Premier must explain what influence has been bought by Chinese Communist Party linked businesses which donated to the Tasmanian Liberals last year.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  2 Oct 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Liberals' 'Individual Responsibility, Corporate Entitlement' Pokies Plan

Both the Premier and the Treasurer delivered a disappointing and underwhelming response to questions on the future of the Federal gambling monopoly.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  5 Jun 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberal and Labor Parties Need to Reject Federal Group Donations

With the Federal monopoly Deed due to formally expire in 2018 and end in 2019, now is a critical time for our democracy.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  9 May 2017


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Pokies Deed Corruption Allegations Must be Heard by Parliamentary Inquiry

Tasmania Police will review their investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption following the fall of the Liberal Bethune Government in 1972.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  8 May 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Westpac's Return on Investment for Donations to Tasmanian Liberals?

Having scrapped the Labor Green Government's free energy efficiency scheme, The Liberals have adopted a Harvey Norman style credit scheme to be run by Westpac.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  2 May 2017


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Liberals Must Listen to Rev. Costello on Pokies

Rev. Tim Costello has openly named the pokies industry as a powerful vested interest, which runs government gambling policy across Australia.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  12 Apr 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Donations' Disclosure Needed Before State Election

Following Prime Minister Turnbull's encouraging comments about exploring 'more timely' political donations disclosure, Premier Hodgman should follow suit.

Andrea Dawkins  |  Media Release  |  2 Feb 2017


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Hodgman Keeps Tasmanians in the Dark on Political Donations

The Tasmanian Liberal Party disclosed the names of just seven donors with total contributions of $145 000.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Parliamentary Activity  |  14 Sep 2016


Hobart Private Hospital

Old Parties Refuse to Support Real Time Donations Disclosure

The Greens are disappointed both the Liberal and Labor Parties joined together, once again, to vote against donation transparency and democratic process.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  14 Sep 2016


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Democracy Demands Transparency on Donations

First the ACT and now Queensland have committed to the real time publication of political donations.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  20 Jul 2016


Wrest Point Casino, Federal Group, Tasmania

Liberals Have No Mandate for Federal Deal

The Treasurer's Federal monopoly rhetoric in Parliament today remains empty and meaningless, despite its bombastic delivery.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  27 Aug 2015


Line of Electronic Gaming Machines (Pokies)

Gutwein Preparing to Roll Over to Federal

Treasurer Peter Gutwein made it clear he is prepared to do Federal Hotels' bidding and extend the destructive gambling monopoly deal beyond 2018.

Cassy O'Connor MP  |  Media Release  |  26 Aug 2015


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

Democracy Still for Sale in Tasmania

The Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin has washed her hands of any significant reform including restoring the House of Assembly to 35.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  10 Jun 2015


Preferential Voting, Ballot Paper

Political Donation Disclosure Reforms Stalled

The Attorney General has made it clear that the Hodgman government is going to continue to hide political donations.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  9 Sep 2014


Corruption, Handing over Envelope

State Political Donation Disclosure Reform

The upcoming Local Government elections again highlight the need for the disclosure of political donations in Tasmania.

Nick Mckim  |  Media Release  |  23 Jul 2014


Money, Australian Dollars, Notes

End Corporate Welfare

The Hodgman regime needs to rethink its warped priorities and put an end to its compulsion to provide corporate welfare payouts.

Kim Booth  |  Media Release  |  9 Jul 2014