We welcome the plan to ban all political donations announced by South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, ahead of the next state election.
The plan appears to balance the need for new entrants to be able to fundraise ahead of an election, but that once elected, the ban would restrict further fundraising. The ban is focused on the incumbents within the system, with public funding covering campaign expenses. The proposed changes would limit campaign expenditure, and in theory at least, level the playing the field when it comes to campaign financing.
South Australia’s proposed ban on political donations should stop big business having so much undue influence over government policy. It’s a bold and likely popular move.
We have long advocated for limits in political party financing, with integrity, truth and transparency being a core component of who we are as a party. Changes to campaign financing, in the form of banning political donations entirely, if implemented, would be a world first and we hope this development in South Australia leads to broader reform across the country. A consistent approach taken by the states and the federal system would be particularly helpful.
If you want to contribute your thoughts on the proposed changes, the draft bill is open for consultation for the next four weeks: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/electoral-reform
