September 24, 2014. MEDIA RELEASE
The NSW inquiry into political donations today heard from a group of Australia’s leading academics on electoral matters. The Panel of Experts – Political Donations members heard from Professor George Williams AO, Dr Anika Gauja, Dr Joo-Cheong Tham and Professor Rodney Smith.
Speaking at the conclusion of today’s roundtable, Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker said it was clear from the expert evidence there is an urgent need to increase penalties, reduce caps on expenditure and increase disclosure.
“These experts again highlighted serious flaws in electoral funding laws that need to be fixed if the 2015 state election is to have any credibility.
“Many of the changes examined such as daily disclosure of donations, increasing penalties, improving party accountability and reducing expenditure caps would be simple to introduce. The Government can no longer delay introducing these key anti–corruption measures.
“It will be too late for genuine reform before the election if the Government waits until the Schott inquiry reports to the Premier on 31 December. Action is needed now,” said Mr Parker.
The academics addressed the regulation of political donations and electoral expenditure as well as the regulation and governance of political parties. More information can be found here.
Sign our Clean Politics Charter
Be the first to comment
Sign in with