Labor warned against union-friendly donations laws (15 July 2024)
Article summary: Revelations about the CFMEU's alleged underworld links threaten to overshadow upcoming campaign finance reforms. Special Minister of State Don Farrell plans to introduce legislation in the August parliamentary sittings, including new spending caps and stricter donation disclosure rules. Individual candidates could face spending caps of $1 million, with tighter regulations for “significant third parties” like unions.
Teal MPs, including Kate Chaney and Zoe Daniel, express concerns that state reforms in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia have favoured major parties. Before the NSW election, Labour and Coalition collected more funds than they could legally spend, sourced from businesses, union fees, and MP levies. South Australia's reforms significantly increased public funding for major parties, and Victoria saw parties creating private investment vehicles.
A joint investigation has exposed connections between the CFMEU and criminal figures, adding to the controversy. Independent MP Zoe Daniel emphasises the need for fair rules that don’t advantage major parties, warning against reforms that protect existing power structures at the expense of accountability. Kate Chaney has proposed legislation requiring corporations and unions to obtain approval from shareholders or members before making political donations, similar to UK practices. Chaney highlights the declining vote share for major parties and predicts strong community resistance to reforms that entrench their power.
Albanese downplayed the donations, stating that the ALP's organisational wing would handle the issue. Chaney remains vigilant, asserting that any reforms must ensure a level playing field and not fortify the relationship between unions and the ALP.
