What needs to be done to clean up this mess?
A NATIONAL SUMMIT , to determine a NATIONAL STRATEGY
To achieve maximum financial transparency and probity throughout the Australian political system the Commonwealth and State governments must all fundamentally reform, in a coordinated manner, their financial donations legislation.
Money is fluid and will be shifted around through 'back doors' unless all those doors are shut. Some good reforms could occur at state level, but with weak federal laws it means there are serious limitations as to what can be achieved at an individual state level. The same applies in reverse, good reforms solely for the federal electoral system will be seriously limited if all state laws are not also all properly reformed. The chain will only be as strong as its weakest link.
DEMOCRACY WATCH is therefore calling for a National Summit to develop a national strategy to fundamentally reform, in a coordinated manner, the financial donations legislation for both the federal and all state systems. This is our fundamental policy.
Political systems do exist where there are much tighter restrictions on 'money-politics'.
There are reforms that have proved successful elsewhere that are crying out to be implemented in our own country. We should be aiming at being the world leaders in probity, transparency and removing the influence of 'money-politics'. Particular attention needs to be given to recent reforms in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.
DEMOCRACY WATCH acknowledges that reform options are varied and complex and there is no single 'right answer' or perfect solution. Even the best options are imperfect to some degree. Yet this must not be used as an excuse to continue with a system that is riddled with loop holes, that has some of the worst faults imaginable and acts as an incentive for corruption.
The issues and legalities concerning money politics is complex but a National Summit would have to at least consider the following reform proposals:
- Donations to be immediately and publicly declared.
- The original source of all donations to be declared.
- Corporate and individual donations restricted to an upper limit of $2000.
- Donations from foreign entities to be banned.
- Corporations, unions and organisations to be required to have shareholder/member approved political donations policies.
- Campaign expenditure limits.
- Tighter controls over the 'independent' campaign spending by the supporters of political parties and candidates.
- Reforming electoral funding to promote political equality.
- Increased penalties for breaching funding laws.
- Political Party donations disclosures to be accompanied by a report from an accredited auditor.
- Adequate resources to be provided to the Australian Electoral Commission to effectively enforce political funding regulations.
The National Summit would need to be of sufficient time for proper consideration and a comprehensive debate of the reform options. The National Summit attendees should consist not just of politicians but also a broad range of legal experts, academics and community representatives.