Released 10/04/2018
The ACT Government will make changes to the political donations system and work to empower voters to make informed choices when choosing their elected representatives.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay today tabled the Government’s response to the Report of the Select Committee on the Inquiry into the 2016 ACT Election and Electoral Act, with a commitment to make a fairer and more transparent political donations system.
In its response to the Select Committee’s recommendations, the Government reiterated its commitment to banning political donations from property developers.
“Perceived influence by property developers on Government decisions is a concern and something the Government is committed to dispel. We need to ensure voters can be certain that elections, planning and development decisions made by the Government are not influenced at all by these donations,” Minister Ramsay said.
“This is a commitment we made in the Parliamentary Agreement and, along with the other recommendations of the Select Committee the Government has supported, we will legislate for this in the next two years.”
As part of the changes the Government will make to the political donations system, all fundraising contributions will be considered as gifts, which candidates will be required to disclose. This will not apply to party membership fees. Currently, donations of $250 or less at a single fundraising event are exempt from being considered a reportable gift.
“Disclosure of donations provides a high degree of transparency about candidates and parties, and allows for voters to make informed judgments about campaigns and where the funds may be coming from,” Minister Ramsay said.
The Government will also consider changes to donation reporting timeframes to ensure timely and accurate disclosures by political parties.
The Select Committee made a number of other recommendations related to improving voter engagement, which the Government will work with Elections ACT to implement.
“The Government welcomes the Committee’s recommendations of measures to help voters participate in future elections and to ensure they are properly informed of their choices. Promoting civic participation and fulfilling the obligation to vote is important and the Government supports measures to increase voter turnout,” Minister Ramsay said.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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