Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Special Minister of State. Minister, does the government support the fundamental principle of Australian electoral funding law that the Australian Electoral Commission must be able to verify the nature and source of significant political donations? Does the government realise that offshore based foundations, trusts or clubs, or individuals funded from tax havens, making political donations to Australian political parties are a real danger, because those who are behind those entities are often hidden and beyond the reach of Australian law? Is the government aware that a number of democracies, including New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom, ban foreign donations to domestic political parties, to stop foreign influence in domestic political affairs? When will Australia follow their lead by similarly banning foreign donations to the political parties of Australia?