Independent candidate for Robertson Dr Vania Holt has challenged other candidates to disclose all donations over $1,000 made to their political campaigns amidst a national discussion about donation disclosure.
Holt said she would reveal every donor behind a $1,000-plus contribution to her campaign.
“Anyone who has watched the ABC’s Big Deal program will be aware of the lack of any useful accountability in this country when it comes to disclosing political donations,” Holt said.
“I fully support Dr Helen Haines in her push to have all political donations of more than $1,000 made public – and that should apply to all politicians, nominees and parties.
“This disclosure must also include donations before the ‘official’ campaign has started.”
Victorian independent Helen Haines last week challenged all sides of Parliament to reveal every donor who contributes more than $1,000 to their campaigns, to ensure voters knew the source of funding for every MP.
“Donations should also be reported in real-time – there is no point knowing, as is the case now, about who donated to whom 18 months ago. That does not help transparency and accountability of our politicians,” Holt said.
“Without transparency and accountability, the political system is open to influence peddling and corruption.
“People and organisations making political donations, especially to the major parties, should also be aware that their money may not necessarily go to a local candidate, as there is also no independent reporting on how those donations are spent.
“My office, for example, has been through the most recently available AEC donation data.”
“There is one record of a political donation to a major party specifically for our electorate of Robertson and that was in the 2012-13 financial year.
“Imagine if you lived in the NSW seat of Willoughby and donated to the ALP only to find they weren’t bothering to run a candidate in the recent state byelection.
“The only way forward to ensuring greater transparency and accountability is electing strong independents who are beholden to all voters in the electorate, not just special interest groups.”
Source:
Media release, Feb 16
Independent Candidate for Robertson, Vania Holt