John Kaye, Greens MLC, succeeded in amending Labor's political donations bill this week. Now donations from alcohol, tobacco and gambling industries to political parties are banned, and donations from individuals and corporations are capped. The new legislation also sets limits for campaign spending and provides some public funding for campaigns.
Sue Doran, Greens candidate for Coogee, believes this is a long overdue start in a process of reforming the corrupting influence of political donations, and believes this will all have significant implications for the seat of Coogee.
"The Greens do not accept donations from any corporation or union. This week we have been able to move donations law in NSW closer to our position, " Ms Doran said.
"Until now there has been absolutely no limit to the size of political donations from corporations or individuals to major parties. This has translated to political obligations from major parties which are also unlimited. Political donations have influenced public policy in this state to an intolerable level.
"Increases in gaming machine densities and hours of operation of pubs and clubs have stemmed from obligations associated with political donations to major parties. Residents of Coogee suffer the direct social impacts of this largesse with donors. Large development concept plans await consideration by a government whose party has received large donations.
"The Greens were not able to secure support for a ban on donations from pubs and clubs from Labor , however caps on donations from these businesses will now apply. This reduces the influence of these industries on major political parties," Ms Doran said.
"The peace and safety of residents and seaside heritage of our coastal suburbs have been held hostage for years by donor obligations, particularly in the pubs, clubs and developer sectors. This bill will start to clean up the mess”.
" Another positive outcome may be that grassroots democracy has had a win this week. Volunteers have suddenly become more valuable than cash to political parties," Ms Doran concluded.
"The Greens look forward to the new government of NSW in 2011 for further opportunity to reform political donations, " Ms Doran concluded.
CONTACT: Sue Doran 0417-370-776
Greens candidate for Coogee
coogee@nsw.greens.org.au
http://www.facebook.com/coogeegreens
Twitter @coogeesue