Senate debates Questions without Notice
Donations to Political Parties
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
2:56 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. I refer to the Prime Minister's statement in February of this year where he said:
In the course of this current financial year, which is why it hasn't been disclosed on the AEC, I contributed $1.75 million. That was the contribution I made.
Has the Prime Minister now declared what is said to be the single biggest individual donation in Australian history?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
It's not, as a matter of fact. I'm sure the Prime Minister's compliant with all his obligations.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
Senator Farrell, a supplementary question.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
2:57 pm
Section 305B(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act requires a person who makes a donation to a political party totalling more than the disclosure threshold during any financial year to furnish a return to the AEC within 20 weeks after the end of that financial year. Given this means the Prime Minister's disclosure was due last week, why has the Prime Minister breached the Electoral Act?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
I'm not aware that he has, Senator.
Scott Ryan President, Special Minister of State
A final supplementary question, Senator Farrell.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC
Given the Prime Minister claims to support transparency in political donations, isn't it now apparent that, as well as failing to disclose his own donation, he has also broken his promise to deal with the donation reform in the spring session?
George Brandis Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General
2:58 pm
No, and the spring session has not concluded.