PEOPLE POWER NEEDED TO BEAT MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

NEW figures showing lobbyists and big business spending millions of dollars to influence political parties and public policy should concern all voters, says Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) figures show tobacco companies, mining companies and clubs spent up big in 2011 in a bid to influence policy and politics.
Donations to major political parties exceeded $200 million – Labor receiving $92 million and the Coalition receiving $113 million.
“Voters need to remember this at the ballot box where it matters,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“If people want merit-based decision-making in public policy, then they must challenge the power of money in politics.
“Based on the AEC figures, many are questioning whether the real contest is ALP versus LNP, or really just $90 million versus $113 million,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“A quarter of a billion dollars has been raised by the major parties in just 12 months. It is beyond belief that this sort of money will not, and does not, have influence on what should be merit-based policy platforms.”
Mr Oakeshott said there was a desperate need for political donation reform in Australia.
“It was promised following the last federal election, and it must be delivered,” he said.
“I am not being unrealistic – I know elections cost money, and donations will be offered.
“Today, for example, I received a donation of some handmade cheese from a local farmer.
“But more than $200 million in donations in one year should cause great concern among Australian voters, and so should the big dollars spent by wealthy vested interests fighting against public policy in the best interests of most Australians.
“The ‘war chest’ politics of big business and the major parties is becoming unreasonable and unfair.”
The link to the 2011 returns on the AEC website is: periodicdisclosures.aec.gov.au
ENDS Media contact: Sharon Fuller – 0429 787320