In a cunning assault on independents the Liberals Vicki Dunne is seeking to legislate a campaign spending limit of $60,000 per candidate.
“This is an important Bill which will help ensure elections are not an arms race and democracy cannot be purchased,” ACT Shadow Attorney-General Vicki Dunne said today.
“The Bill would set a cap of $60,000 in expenditure per candidate during an election campaign.
“It will cap the maximum political donation from an individual or organisation at $7,000.
“It will also make reporting of political donations more frequent and transparent.
“Other states have already made similar reforms and I’d like to see the ACT provide the same electoral framework.
“We must address all aspects of the electoral process, including the money that backs it.
One hopes it is not Vicki Dunne’s intention but one can’t help thinking this would favour the established parties in a major way.
Bigger organisations (like the Labor and Liberal parties) would be able to set up third party run-arounds and set up suitable fronts for donations.
More transparency, on the other hand, is always to be welcomed.
UPDATE: The Libs have been in touch to say the limit for independents will be higher at $120,000.
Loading ...
