There will be a cap on how much parties or candidates can spend on an election campaign.
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It has also been suggested the taxpayer should help pay for those same parties and candidates.
The report of the inquiry into political donations by Justice Mansfield has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Justice Mansfield recommends a number of reforms including:
- a cap on how much parties and candidates can spend on a campaign
- a cap on political donations
- partial public funding of political parties and candidates in an election
- improvements to reporting requirements and disclosure returns in election years and the lead up to polling day
- reforms to ensure compliance of associated entities and third parties with the Electoral Act
The NT Government accepts in principle these five main recommendations and will now undertake detailed consideration of the recommendations of the report.
A consultation paper will soon be released to listen to community views on the thresholds for donation and spending caps, and the level of public funding.
Further consideration of the value of caps and levels of public funding will be undertaken once the feedback is received.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said: “We promised to restore trust in government and the release of Justice Mansfield’s inquiry delivers on an important election commitment.
“Territorians are entitled to have confidence that the public interest – not donations – drive public policy in the Northern Territory.
“The actions of Foundation 51 during the previous CLP Government has severely eroded this confidence.
“It’s clear that major reforms to rebuild this confidence are needed.
“We will impose a cap on the value of donations, a cap on campaign spending, and introduce public funding.
“Territorians will have the chance to have a say on the value of these caps and public funding before a final decision is made.”
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
