Today’s reports from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters demonstrate the need to support Bill Shorten’s bill on foreign donations.
Two things are clear from the evidence received by the JSCEM:
1. It is a matter of urgency to prohibit foreign donations to political parties; and
2. No argument has been advanced against Labor’s approach to implementing a ban.
Labor has advocated for action against foreign interference with Australian elections for nearly a decade. It’s time for action.
The Liberals’ focus on third-party advocacy groups is an attack on democracy and yet another attempt to distract from the priority of banning foreign donations to political parties.
The Coalition need to get on board, and let the Parliament do its job and make this vital reform law in the next sitting fortnight.