Labor has called on the Parliament to support its efforts to strengthen Tasmania’s political donation laws which remain the weakest in the country.
Making her second reading speech today Shadow Attorney General Ella Haddad said Labor’s bill would be a significant first step in fixing Tasmania’s lax donation disclosure laws.
“Introducing tighter donation disclosure laws is necessary to ensure transparency and integrity in the political process,” Ms Haddad said.
“Right now there are no spending caps, and no requirements whatsoever for candidates to report on what they spend, or to disclose the donations they receive and from whom.
“Peter Gutwein has said he is too busy to deliver on the Government’s promise to reform political donation laws.
“This is just not good enough, which is why Labor is taking action.
“Labor’s bill is a chance for this Parliament to take an important step towards restoring trust in politics.
“We have commenced debate on the Bill but this is significant law reform and it’s far too important to be rushed. For this reason the vote will be held early next year once there has been sufficient time to debate the legislation.
“The Tasmanian public deserve to feel confidence in us and in our political system and this will be our first step in cleaning up politics in Tasmania.
“Our Parliament should be filled with people who have the best ideas not the deepest pockets, and who support transparency, public accountability and fairness.
“Labor commends the bill to the Tasmanian Parliament.”
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Attorney General
