Labor and Coalition accused of cooking up ‘secret deal’ on electoral rules as Clive Palmer signals court challenge (15 Nov 2024)
Article summary: The Albanese government’s proposed electoral reform bill has provoked strong criticism from independents and minor parties, who claim it entrenches major party dominance. Announced by Special Minister of State Don Farrell, the bill includes a $20,000 cap on individual donations, an $800,000 spending cap per electorate, and a federal spending cap of $90 million. While Farrell argues the reforms aim to reduce the influence of large financial backers, independents warn the measures will unfairly limit their ability to compete against well-resourced major parties.
Kate Chaney, independent MP for Curtin, strongly criticised the bill, stating, “The popularity of the major parties is at an all-time low, with one in three Australians voting for a minor party or independent at the last election. But instead of trying to earn back the trust of voters, this bill is a desperate attempt by the big parties to rig the rules, squeeze out the competition, and protect their patch.” Chaney highlighted that new independents would face an $800,000 spending cap, while major parties could spend $90 million and redistribute funds across electorates to defend vulnerable incumbents.
Senator David Pocock also expressed concern, describing the reforms as a “major party stitch-up that subverts parliamentary process and seeks to lock out more community independents.” He argued that the reforms were introduced without adequate consultation, warning, “These are major reforms with far-reaching impacts and the suggestion that they won’t be subject to a Senate inquiry is damaging to our democracy.”
Billionaire Clive Palmer, whose United Australia Party ran a high-spending campaign in the last federal election, announced plans to challenge the bill in the High Court, claiming it suppresses freedom of speech. “This is designed to rig elections and hinder the independents, the regular Australians, from standing for parliament,” Palmer said. “Labor and the Liberals working together on this issue is a disgrace.”
The government has denied targeting any individual or group, with Farrell stating, “We don’t want to go down the track of the American election system. We want to cap the amount of money people can spend – and that applies to anybody. This is all about making sure that ordinary Australians can participate.”
Critics remain unconvinced. Kylea Tink, independent MP for North Sydney, called the bill unfair, while Senator Tammy Tyrrell argued that reforms shaped by Labor and the Coalition would inevitably favour major parties. Chaney added, “Both parties are running scared of the possibility of a bigger crossbench that will continue to hold them to account.”
While the caps won’t take effect until 2026, Labor insists the reforms need to pass this year to give electoral bodies and candidates time to prepare for the next election. Despite Farrell’s assurances that the bill aims to “take big money out of Australian politics,” independents argue it entrenches existing power structures rather than promoting a level playing field.
Related article: Tough road for donation cap (13 July 2024)
