Big money to be taken out of politics in radical electoral overhaul (12 Mar 2024)
Article summary: The Albanese government's initiative to overhaul Australian election rules by limiting big-money donations and electoral spending marks a significant shift in the political landscape, aiming to curtail the influence of wealthy individuals and entities in politics.
This move, set to be the most substantial change in a generation, targets the likes of billionaires Clive Palmer and Mike Cannon-Brookes, whose substantial contributions have previously made headlines. However, the proposed caps on donations and spending will not be implemented until after the next election, giving the Australian Electoral Commission time to manage the changes and sidestepping accusations of electoral manipulation for immediate political gain.
The government's plan to introduce a cap on the amount that can be donated to parties and candidates is yet to be finalised, with indications that it could be set in the tens of thousands of dollars. This approach aims to prevent the recurrence of massive donations like Palmer's $117 million to the United Australia Party and Cannon-Brookes' $1.2 million to Climate 200 before the last election. Additionally, Labor intends to limit electoral spending in individual electorates to avoid disproportionately funded campaigns, such as the multimillion-dollar contest in Kooyong.
Kate Chaney, a leading teal MP and advocate for electoral reform, has voiced concerns over the potential for these changes to entrench the dominance of the two-party system. Chaney emphasises the need for fairness in the application of these caps, ensuring they accommodate various funding structures and maintain political competition.
Her stance reflects broader apprehensions among teal independents and the Greens about the implications of capping spending and donations, particularly for smaller parties and independents who might rely on concentrated spending in targeted seats.
The government's efforts to improve transparency and reduce the influence of big money in politics have sparked intense debate, with opposition and independent MPs raising concerns about the impact on political competition and the democratic process.
As the Albanese government seeks bipartisan support for these reforms, the dialogue surrounding electoral fairness and the role of money in politics continues to evolve, highlighting the complexities of balancing reform with the preservation of a competitive and diverse political landscape.
Related article: ‘We want to put in place electoral reform that lasts’: Anthony Albanese on donations (27 Feb 2024)
