2010 set for bumper donations fundraising

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2010 set for bumper donations fundraising

Media Release - 1 Feb 2010: Following the release of the latest donations figures by the Australian Electoral Commission today, which shows that donations were down last financial year, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has predicted that 2010 will see intense competition from both the major parties to attract corporate donations for their election campaigns, underlining the need for reform.

"Today's disclosure shows that nationwide the major parties fundraising efforts slumped during 2008/09, attracting $93 million down from $216 million in 2007/08," said Ms Rhiannon.

"Last year's drop in donations suggests that this year Labor and the Coalition will organise many fundraisers to fill their coffers for the upcoming elections.

"We know that Tony Abbott's leadership coup has incited a flurry of Liberal party fundraising. With the economy on the upturn and four elections on the horizon we will see intense competition for the corporate dollar this year.

"There is sure to be a federal election this year as well as state elections in SA, Tasmania and Victoria, and a NSW election early next year.

"With a stalled donations reform process after the Rudd Government abandoned its promise of a new, cleaner system of political funding before the next election, both major parties will be relying on corporate money.

Donations in NSW

"In NSW, Premier Kristina Keneally and Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell remain locked in a battle to attract money from property developers, hotels and finance companies.

"This year's figures show that NSW Labor is still ahead in the donations race, accepting over $7 million in donations, with only $2.7 million over the $11,000 disclosure threshold.

"Big donors to NSW Labor last year include $180,000 from the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs NSW, $110,000 from Star City Casino, $73,000 each from the developer Multiplex and Sydney Markets, and $50,000 from the developer Kingson Investments.

"Labor took less than $500,000 from developers last year, down from $1.8 million in 2007/08.

"The NSW Liberal party declared accepting $5.7 million in donations, with only $1.5 million disclosed over the $11,000 threshold.

"The NSW Liberals are tapping into alcohol industry money, accepting $84,000 from the AHA and Clubs NSW, $50,000 from the hotelier Argos Investments, $33,000 from Star City Casino and $25,000 from Reserve Hotels in Randwick.

"The NSW Liberals continue to take money form big tobacco, pocketing $44,600 from British American Tobacco," said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568