Big step twards fairer elections in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Greens said that the second reading of the Electoral Amendment (Electoral Expenditure and Political Donations) Bill 2013 is a milestone in the Greens’ decades long campaign for state-based political donations disclosure and caps on election expenditure.

Greens Leader Nick McKim said that if the Bill passes the Legislative Council it will make Tasmanian elections fairer, and strengthen public confidence in our democracy.

“Elections should be contests between values, vision and policy, not who has the deepest pockets.”

“This Bill seeks to establish a fairer and more level playing field as well as provide a mechanism for state-based real time disclosure of political donations.”

“After deep consideration the Greens supported the urgency motion moved by Labor because, and only because, this is potentially the last sitting week of parliament before the election, and we want the election to be as fair as possible.”

“We also would not have supported the urgency motion if it did not guarantee further second reading opportunities and two hours of committee examination.”

“We are operating in a bicameral Parliament, and the Upper House deserves the opportunity to consider this Bill despite the Liberals’ desperate attempts to prevent this occurring.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader