Support the Framework for a Fair Democracy

Support the Framework for a Fair Democracy

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On Feb 1, the Australian Electoral Commission released its annual donations and spending data for politicians and parties over the previous financial year.

Once again, we are seeing the overwhelming influence of corporations and wealthy special interests over our political system.

  • 40% of money given to the major parties was hidden as ‘dark money’ 

  • Campaign spending for the Federal Election remained at record high levels, reaching $439.4million 

  • The fossil fuel industry gave $1.88 million combined to the Labor Party and Coalition 

  • Professional lobbyist firms gave just over $1 million, a clear example of cash for access 

  • The gambling and alcohol lobbies increased their giving by 40% from last year, with total donations of $2.16 million

Our decision makers can act now to change the rules so that:

  • We have real-time disclosure of all donations over $2,500

  • Big political donations are banned altogether

  • Electoral spending by parties and corporations is limited

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is currently considering what recommendations is will make to reform our campaign finance rules before the next election.

Use our handy tool to email your MP and Senators and ask them to include these reforms in the recommendations, to stop the influence of big money in our democracy.

By speaking up together, we can show that the community expects better from our political system – and we want change now. 

On Feb 1, the Australian Electoral Commission released its annual donations and spending data for politicians and parties over the previous financial year.

Once again, we are seeing the overwhelming influence of corporations and wealthy special interests over our political system.

  • 40% of money given to the major parties was hidden as ‘dark money’ 

  • Campaign spending for the Federal Election remained at record high levels, reaching $439.4million 

  • The fossil fuel industry gave $1.88 million combined to the Labor Party and Coalition 

  • Professional lobbyist firms gave just over $1 million, a clear example of cash for access 

  • The gambling and alcohol lobbies increased their giving by 40% from last year, with total donations of $2.16 million

Our decision makers can act now to change the rules so that:

  • We have real-time disclosure of all donations over $2,500

  • Big political donations are banned altogether

  • Electoral spending by parties and corporations is limited

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is currently considering what recommendations is will make to reform our campaign finance rules before the next election.

Use our handy tool to email your MP and Senators and ask them to include these reforms in the recommendations, to stop the influence of big money in our democracy.

By speaking up together, we can show that the community expects better from our political system – and we want change now. 

Speak out about donation reform

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Email Tips +

We’ve prepared a template you can use, but personal emails are the most powerful. You can have maximum impact and get your MPs attention by:

  • Adding a little introduction at the beginning of the email, sharing who you are (eg the area you live in, your connection to the local community etc)

  • Explaining why this issue is important to you – why were you moved to write an email?

  • If you know your representative or party have a position on political donations, refer to that – thank them for previous leadership or make it clear you expect them to do better.

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Taking this action will add your email into the Australian Democracy Network Ltd’s subscriber mailing list. This means you will receive ongoing campaign updates and opportunities to take action. Please take a moment to read our privacy statement to better understand how we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information

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