‘Australia’s weak donation laws are allowing political parties to hide the origins of $1bn in income and giving mega-donors the ability to exert disproportionate influence over the system, new analysis suggests.’
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‘Over the past 25 years, Australia’s major political parties have received billions in income — but where much of it comes from remains a mystery. The Centre for Public Integrity’s analysis of disclosures to the Australian Electoral Commission exposes a concerning level of ‘hidden money’, with 26% of Labor’s income, 37% of the Coalition’s, and 46% of the Greens’ from unknown sources. This opacity threatens public trust and highlights the urgent need for political finance reform.’
‘Over $1.24 billion in donations flowed to Australian political parties between 1998/99 and 2019/20, with the bulk coming from large, opaque sources. This analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity reveals a political finance system dominated by a handful of wealthy donors and associated entities, especially in election years—raising serious concerns about undue influence on democratic decision-making.’