Economy
The People’s Backlash
The Federal Government has confirmed it will hold off introducing its controversial electoral funding bill, after a public backlash put the Coalition’s support on shaky ground.
Legislation was due to be introduced to Parliament today, with the measure backdated until April 1 – a step that would have delivered a $2 million windfall to the major parties ahead of this year’s federal election.
Key points:
• Government puts $1/vote funding bill on hold
• Coalition asked Labor to hold it back after meeting last night
• Move comes after angry backlash and backbench rebellion
• Dreyfus says bill will be scrapped if Coalition won’t confirm support
Under the proposal, parties and independent MPs would be paid 33 cents a year, equating to $1 over the electoral cycle, for every primary vote they receive.
Labor has now confirmed the bill will be delayed.
The ABC understands the Coalition asked the Government to hold back the bill after an emergency meeting of the Liberal Party’s federal executive yesterday afternoon.
Special Minister of State Mark Dreyfus says the bill will be withdrawn altogether if the Coalition does not support it.
Yesterday on Tasmanian Times:
• Australia’s donation law fails to stand up to big business influence
• Andrew Wilkie: No Money. No Problem “This is a victory for common sense and public opinion. “The proposal by Labor and Liberal for all political parties, and successful independent candidates, to be paid an additional $1 for every vote was a dreadful decision entirely out of step with community expectations.