The Tasmanian Electoral Commission donations disclosure list confirms the Liberal and Labor parties continue to rake in money from vested interests.
Gambling interests and property developers, particularly, clearly see Liberal and Labor politicians as a good investment for favours.
In the month before polling day, the Federal Group yet again rewarded the old parties for their craven lack of commitment to harm minimisation from poker machines, with substantial donations to both the Liberals and Labor.
It’s notable that Labor received a bigger donation than the Liberals in the month of July, perhaps a reward for so comprehensively selling out on genuine harm minimisation under then Leader, Dean Winter.
Is it any wonder both parties have walked away from mandatory pre-commitment cards despite knowing they could save lives and livelihoods? They are putting their political self-interest over the wellbeing of Tasmanians, particularly those living in poverty who are being preyed upon by the pokies barons.
Labor should explain why, for example, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Tas) made a substantial donation during the month of July. What policy position do they expect in return?
AirBNB is also rewarding both the Liberals and Labor for doing precisely nothing to rein in short stay accommodation, despite the fact it’s ripping homes for Tasmanians out of the rental market. They keep wringing their hands about the housing crisis, but if we follow the money we can see why it’s just words from both of them.
In contrast, it’s clear from the TEC disclosures that the Greens continue to rely on individual donors who feel passionately about protecting Tasmania’s environment, real action on climate and living in a just and fair society.
The good news in this TEC reportable donations’ disclosure form is that – as a result of the Greens’ successful amendment to electoral laws – for the first time all donations over $1000 must be reported. This gives Tasmanians a much clearer line of sight to who is giving how much to political parties and what they might expect in return.
Stay tuned, as we’re working within this new balance of power Parliament to deliver even stronger electoral laws that will continue to bolster the foundations of our democracy.
