Andrew Wilkie: I’ll exercise the opt-out provision

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has responded to the Labor and Liberal parties’ proposal for increased public funding for political parties and independents.

“The proposal by the Labor and Liberal parties for all political parties, and successful independent candidates, to be paid an additional $1 for every vote is a dreadful decision entirely out of step with community expectations,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Seems that one of the very few times Labor and Liberal can agree on something is when it’s in their political and financial self-interest.

“So much for the public interest, and in particular the disadvantaged members of the community the Labor Party claims to represent who missed out in the recent Federal Budget including the unemployed, single parents and those relying on the age pension. So much too for the Liberal Party’s “budget emergency.”

“I will not support the relevant legislation when this proposal comes before the Parliament.

“And if it passes the Parliament, as it seems it will, I’ll exercise the opt-out provision which I understand will be included in the Bill to ensure none of this additional money is paid to me.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison