Federal govt shamed by South Australia donations reform plan

Federal Labor should move on electoral funding reform now South Australia has joined NSW, Queensland and the ACT and committed to clean up political donations, says Australian Greens democracy spokesperson Lee Rhiannon. 

"With the federal election just months away federal Labor would win considerable brownie points with the public by following the lead of South Australia and putting in place reforms that have strong public support," Senator Rhiannon said.

"Unless the Gillard government acts to limit the millions of dollars of corporate donations flowing to the major parties it will be left in the dust as South Australia joins NSW, Queensland and the ACT in pursuing electoral funding reform.

"South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill's announcement today that he will work to end the corrupting influence of donations shines a light on why we need national consistency.

"Just last week new data from the Australian Electoral Commission reported $12.3 million dollars was donated by the federal divisions of Labor and Coalition parties in the last financial year.

"The Gillard government came to office with a commitment to consider electoral funding reform but has gone weak-kneed.

"Cleaning up political donations would be a win-win for democracy and the government ," Senator Rhiannon said.