Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to advise the committee—and for the benefit of the Clerks I advise—that, as flagged in my earlier contribution, the opposition will not be proceeding with amendments on sheet 8554 and 8407.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—–I move all government amendments on sheet GJ160, as amended by amendments on sheet UV100, together:

(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table items 2 and 3), omit the table items, substitute:

(2) Schedule 1, heading to Part 1, page 3 (lines 3 and 4), omit ", third party campaigners and associated entities", substitute "and associated entities and the Transparency Register".

(3) Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 10), after item 1, insert:

Insert:

election and ballot matters means matters relating to Parliamentary elections, elections, ballots under the Fair Work Act 2009 or the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, and referendums.

1B Subsection 4 ( 1 ) (definition of electoral matter )

Repeal the definition, substitute:

electoral matter has the meaning given by section 4AA.

1C Subsection 4 ( 1 )

Insert:

political entity means any of the following:

(a) a registered political party;

(b) a State branch (within the meaning of Part XX) of a registered political party;

(c) a candidate (within the meaning of that Part) in an election (including a by-election);

(d) a member of a group (within the meaning of that Part).

Note: For candidates and groups, see subsection 287(9).

1D Subsection 4 ( 9 )

Repeal the subsection.

1E After section 4

Insert:

4AA Meaning of electoral matter

(1) Electoral matter means matter communicated or intended to be communicated for the dominant purpose of influencing the way electors vote in an election (a federal election) of a member of the House of Representatives or of Senators for a State or Territory, including by promoting or opposing:

(a) a political entity, to the extent that the matter relates to a federal election; or

(b) a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator.

Note: Communications whose dominant purpose is to educate their audience on a public policy issue, or to raise awareness of, or encourage debate on, a public policy issue, are not for the dominant purpose of influencing the way electors vote in an election (as there can be only one dominant purpose for any given communication).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), each creation, recreation, communication or recommunication of matter is to be treated separately for the purposes of determining whether matter is electoral matter.

Note: For example, matter that is covered by an exception under subsection (5) when originally communicated may become electoral matter if recommunicated for the dominant purpose referred to in subsection (1).

Rebuttable presumption for matter that expressly promotes or opposes political entities etc.

(3) Without limiting subsection (1), the dominant purpose of the communication or intended communication of matter that expressly promotes or opposes:

(a) a political entity, to the extent that the matter relates to a federal election; or

(b) a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator, to the extent that the matter relates to a federal election;

is presumed to be the purpose referred to in subsection (1), unless the contrary is proved.

Matters to be taken into account

(4) Without limiting subsection (1), the following matters must be taken into account in determining the dominant purpose of the communication or intended communication of matter:

(a) whether the communication or intended communication is or would be to the public or a section of the public;

(b) whether the communication or intended communication is or would be by a political entity or political campaigner (within the meaning of Part XX);

(c) whether the matter contains an express or implicit comment on a political entity, a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator;

(d) whether the communication or intended communication is or would be received by electors near a polling place;

(e) how soon a federal election is to be held after the creation or communication of the matter;

(f) whether the communication or intended communication is or would be unsolicited.

Exceptions

(5) Despite subsections (1) and (3), matter is not electoral matter if the communication or intended communication of the matter:

(a) forms or would form part of the reporting of news, the presenting of current affairs or any genuine editorial content in news media; or

(b) is or would be by a person for a dominant purpose that is a satirical, academic, educative or artistic purpose, taking into account any relevant consideration including the dominant purpose of any other communication of matter by the person; or

(c) is or would be a private communication by a person to another person who is known to the first person; or

(d) is or would be by or to a person who is a Commonwealth public official (within the meaning of the Criminal Code) in that person's capacity as such an official; or

(e) is or would be a private communication to a political entity (who is not a Commonwealth public official) in relation to public policy or public administration; or

(f) occurs or would occur in the House of Representatives or the Senate, or is or would be to a parliamentary committee.

Note: A person who wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code and section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

1F Section 5 (definition of electoral matters )

Repeal the definition.

1G Paragraph 7 ( 1 ) (b)

Omit "electoral matters" (wherever occurring), substitute "election and ballot matters".

1H Paragraph 7 ( 1 ) (c)

Omit "electoral and Parliamentary matters", substitute "election and ballot matters, and Parliamentary matters,".

1J Paragraphs 7 ( 1 ) (d) and (e)

Omit "electoral matters", substitute "election and ballot matters".

1K Paragraphs 91A(1A)(aa) and ( 2 ) (aa)

Omit "electoral matters", substitute "election and ballot matters".

1L Subsection 120 ( 2 ) (at the end of the table)

Add:

14 A decision under section 287S or 302H (anti-avoidance) to give a notice to a person or entity.

1M Section 125

Omit "The Electoral Commission shall", substitute "(1) The Electoral Commissioner must".

1N At the end of section 125

Add:

(2) The Register may be included on the Transparency Register under section 287N.

1P Paragraphs 189B ( 4 ) (b) and ( 5 ) (b)

Omit "electoral matters", substitute "election and ballot matters".

1Q Subsection 193 ( 4 ) (definition of Commonwealth country )

Omit "political entity" (wherever occurring), substitute "body politic".

(5) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (after line 4), after the definition of Australian resident in subsection 287(1), insert:

candidate has a meaning affected by subsection (9).

(6) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 12), omit "$13,500", substitute "$13,800".

(7) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (after line 13), after the definition of disclosure threshold, insert:

electoral expenditure has the meaning given by section 287AB.

foreign donor has the meaning given by section 287AA.

(8) Schedule 1, page 4 (after line 21), after item 6, insert:

6A Subsection 287 ( 1 ) (at the end of the definition of group )

Add:

Note: The meaning of group is affected by subsection (9).

(9) Schedule 1, item 7, page 5 (lines 9 and 10), omit "political campaigners and third party campaigners", substitute "entities".

(10) Schedule 1, item 7, page 5 (lines 13 to 17), omit the definition of political entity in subsection287(1).

(11) Schedule 1, item 7, page 5 (lines 18 to 23), omit the definition of political expenditure in subsection 287(1).

(12) Schedule 1, item 7, page 5 (line 24) to page 6 (line 12), omit the definition of political purpose in subsection 287(1).

(13) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (lines 13 and 14), omit the definition of Register of Associated Entities in subsection 287(1).

(14) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (lines 15 and 16), omit the definition of Register of Political Campaigners in subsection 287(1).

(15) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (lines 17 and 18), omit the definition of Register of Third Party Campaigners in subsection 287(1).

(16) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (lines 19 to 24), omit the definition of senior staff in subsection 287(1).

(17) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (lines 25 to 30), omit the definition of third party campaigner in subsection 287(1), substitute:

scheme (except in section 287E) means:

(a) any agreement, arrangement, understanding, promise or undertaking, whether express or implied and whether or not enforceable, or intended to be enforceable, by legal proceedings; and

(b) any scheme, plan, proposal, action, course of action or course of conduct, whether unilateral or otherwise.

third party: a person or entity (except a political entity or a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate) is a third party during a financial year if:

(a) the amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the person or entity during the financial year is more than the disclosure threshold; and

(b) the person or entity is not required to be, and is not, registered as a political campaigner under section 287F for the year.

Note: See also subsection (8) and section 287C (entities that have branches or are not incorporated).

Transparency Register means the Register of that name established and maintained under section 287N.

(18) Schedule 1, page 6 (after line 30), after item 7, insert:

7A Subsection 287 ( 7 )

Repeal the subsection.

(19) Schedule 1, item 8, page 7 (line 1), omit "third party campaigners", substitute "third parties".

(20) Schedule 1, item 8, page 7 (line 2), omit "third party campaigner", substitute "third party".

(21) Schedule 1, item 8, page 7 (line 4), omit "third party campaigner", substitute "third party".

(22) Schedule 1, item 8, page 7 (lines 5 and 6), omit "political campaigners and third party campaigners", substitute "entities".

(23) Schedule 1, item 8, page 7 (lines 7 to 24), omit subsection 287(9), substitute:

When a person is a candidate or part of a group

(9) For the purposes of this Part:

(a) a person who is a candidate in an election is taken to begin to be a candidate on the earlier of the following days:

(i) the day the person announced that the person would be a candidate in the election;

(ii) the day the person nominated as a candidate in the election; and

(b) a group is taken to begin to be a group in an election on the day the members of the group make a request under section 168 for their names to be grouped in the ballot papers for the election;

and the candidate or group ceases to be a candidate or group at the end of 30 days after the polling day in the election.

(24) Schedule 1, item 9, page 7 (line 31) to page 8 (line 28), omit section 287AA, substitute:

287AA Meaning of foreign donor

Each of the following is a foreign donor:

(a) a body politic of a foreign country;

(b) a body politic of a part of a foreign country;

(c) a part of a body politic mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b);

(d) a foreign public enterprise;

(e) an entity (whether or not incorporated) that does not meet any of the following conditions:

(i) the entity is incorporated in Australia;

(ii) the entity's head office is in Australia;

(iii) the entity's principal place of activity is, or is in, Australia;

(f) an individual who is none of the following:

(i) an elector;

(ii) an Australian citizen;

(iii) an Australian resident;

(iv) a New Zealand citizen who holds a Subclass 444 (Special Category) visa under the Migration Act 1958 (or if that Subclass ceases to exist, the kind of visa that replaces that Subclass).

287AB Meaning of electoral expenditure

Dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter

(1) Electoral expenditure means expenditure incurred for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter, except to the extent that:

(a) the expenditure is, or is to be, paid or reimbursed by the Commonwealth (except under Division 3 (election funding)) to or in relation to a person who is or was a member of the House of Representatives, a Senator or a Minister, because that person is or was such a member, Senator or Minister; or

(b) the expenditure is incurred by a person or entity (the service provider):

(i) in providing a communication service or communication platform that is used to create or communicate electoral matter; or

(ii) in providing a service for another person or entity that engaged the service provider, on a commercial basis, to create or communicate electoral matter.

Note 1: For example, expenditure incurred in relation to the communication of electoral matter for which particulars are required to be notified under section 321D is electoral expenditure.

Note 2: Expenditure by a person who creates matter that is covered by an exception under subsection 4AA(5) is not electoral expenditure. However, as each creation or communication of matter is treated as separate matter under subsection 4AA(2), expenditure incurred by another person who communicates the same matter for the dominant purpose referred to in subsection 4AA(1) may be electoral expenditure.

Note 3: For deemed electoral expenditure for political campaigners, see section 287J.

(2) Expenditure may be electoral expenditure whether the expenditure is incurred for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating particular electoral matter or electoral matter generally.

Expenditure in relation to an election

(3) In addition, any expenditure incurred by or with the authority of a political entity, a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator in relation to an election is electoral expenditure, except to the extent that the expenditure is, or is to be, paid or reimbursed by the Commonwealth (except under Division 3 (election funding)) to or in relation to a person who is or was a member of the House of Representatives, a Senator or a Minister, because that person is or was such a member, Senator or Minister.

287AC Implied freedom of political communication

This Part does not apply to a person or entity to the extent that any constitutional doctrine of implied freedom of political communication would be infringed if this Part were to apply to the person or entity.

(25) Schedule 1, item 10, page 9 (line 1), omit "Political campaigners and third party campaigners", substitute "Entities".

(26) Schedule 1, item 10, page 9 (lines 10 to 13), omit paragraph 287C(b), substitute:

(b) a contravention of:

(i) section 287F (requirement to register as a political campaigner) that would otherwise have been committed by an entity that is not a legal person; or

(ii) any other provision of this Part that would otherwise have been committed by a political campaigner that is not a legal person;

is taken to have been committed by the financial controller of the entity or campaigner; and

(c) a contravention of a provision of this Part that would otherwise have been committed by an entity (except a political entity or a political campaigner) that is not a legal person is taken to have been committed by each member, agent or officer (however described) of the entity who, acting in that person's actual or apparent authority, engaged in any conduct or made any omission contributing to the contravention.

(27) Schedule 1, item 10, page 9 (lines 14 and 15), omit "third party campaigners", substitute "third parties".

(28) Schedule 1, item 11, page 9 (lines 18 and 19), omit ", third party campaigners and associated entities", substitute "andassociated entities and the Transparency Register".

(29) Schedule 1, item 11, page 9 (line 21) to page 10 (line 6), omit section 287D, substitute:

287D Simplified outline of this Division

(30) Schedule 1, item 11, page 10 (line 10), after "in elections", insert ", and to provide for the Transparency Register,".

(31) Schedule 1, item 11, page 10 (line 19), omit ", third party campaigner".

(32) Schedule 1, item 11, page 10 (line 22) to page 11 (line 6), omit subsection 287F(1), substitute:

(1) A person or entity (except a political entity, a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator) must be registered for a financial year as a political campaigner, in accordance with subsection (2), if:

(a) the amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the person or entity during that or any one of the previous 3 financial years is $500,000 or more; or

(b) the amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the person or entity:

(i) during that financial year is $100,000 or more; and

(ii) during the previous financial year was at least two-thirds of the revenue of the person or entity for that year.

Note: A person or entity might be taken to have incurred electoral expenditure in a financial year if the person or entity was required to be registered as a political campaigner for a previous financial year but was not so registered (see section 287J).

(33) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (line 7), omit "28 days", substitute "90 days".

(34) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (lines 10 and 11), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(35) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (line 15), omit the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 200 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, of electoral expenditure incurred in contravention of this subsection—3 times that amount.

(36) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (lines 16 to 23), omit subsection 287F(4).

(38) Schedule 1, item 11, page 12 (lines 25 and 26), omit "except a registered political party or a State branch of a registered political party", substitute "except a political entity".

(39) Schedule 1, item 11, page 12 (lines 32 and 33), omit "(see also subsection (5))".

(40) Schedule 1, item 11, page 13 (line 6), omit "28 days", substitute "90 days".

(41) Schedule 1, item 11, page 13 (line 9), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(42) Schedule 1, item 11, page 13 (line 12), omit "The financial controller", substitute "A member, agent or officer".

(43) Schedule 1, item 11, page 13 (line 14), omit the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 200 penalty units;

(b) if the court can determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, of electoral expenditure incurred in contravention of this subsection—3 times that amount.

(44) Schedule 1, item 11, page 13 (line 15) to page 14 (line 19), omit subsections 287H(4) and (5).

(45) Schedule 1, item 11, page 14 (line 23), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(46) Schedule 1, item 11, page 14 (lines 25 and 26), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(47) Schedule 1, item 11, page 14 (line 27), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(48) Schedule 1, item 11, page 14 (line 29), omit "or third party campaigner".

(49) Schedule 1, item 11, page 14 (line 34), omit "or 287G and the 28-day period", substitute "and the 90-day period".

(50) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (line 2), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(51) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (lines 3 and 4), omit "or third party campaigner".

(52) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (line 9), omit paragraph 287K(1)(b).

(53) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (lines 20 to 27), omit subsection 287L(1), substitute:

(1) The Electoral Commissioner must, subject to subsection (4), register a person or entity in accordance with the person or entity's application under section 287K if the application complies with subsection 287K(2). The Electoral Commissioner must register the person or entity as soon as practicable after receiving the application.

(54) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (lines 28 and 29), omit "(subject to paragraph (1)(b))".

(55) Schedule 1, item 11, page 15 (line 31), omit "any of sections 287F to", substitute "section 287F or".

(56) Schedule 1, item 11, page 16 (lines 1 to 7), omit subsection 287L(3).

(57) Schedule 1, item 11, page 16 (line 14), omit ", the third party campaigner".

(58) Schedule 1, item 11, page 16 (line 20), omit ", "third party campaigner"".

(59) Schedule 1, item 11, page 16 (lines 23 and 24), omit ", "third party campaigner"".

(60) Schedule 1, item 11, page 16 (line 34), omit ", third party campaigner".

(61) Schedule 1, item 11, page 17 (lines 2 and 3), omit ", a third party campaigner".

(62) Schedule 1, item 11, page 17 (lines 7 and 8), omit ", a third party campaigner".

(63) Schedule 1, item 11, page 17 (lines 9 to 11), omit "Register of Political Campaigners, Register of Third Party Campaigners and Register of Associated Entities", substitute "Transparency Register".

(64) Schedule 1, item 11, page 17 (line 12) to page 18 (line 31), omit section 287N, substitute:

287N Transparency Register

(1) The Electoral Commissioner must establish and maintain a Transparency Register.

Content of Transparency Register

(2) The Transparency Register must include the following information:

(a) the name of:

(i) each person or entity registered as a political campaigner under section 287L; and

(ii) each entity registered as an associated entity under section 287L; and

(iii) each person or entity that has provided a return under section 314AEB (annual returns by third parties) for that or any of the previous 3 financial years; and

(iv) each political entity;

(b) for political campaigners and associated entities—the name of the financial controller of the person or entity;

(c) for associated entities—the name of any registered political parties with which the person or entity is associated;

(d) any determination, notice or return published under section 320;

(e) any enforceable undertaking published under subsection 384A(2A).

Note: The Transparency Register may include the Register of Political Parties (see section 125).

(3) The Electoral Commissioner must keep the Transparency Register up-to-date.

(4) Subsection (3) does not prevent historical data from being included in the Transparency Register.

(65) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (line 2), omit "register", substitute "Transparency Register".

(66) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (lines 3 to 7), omit subsection 287P(1), substitute:

(1) A person or entity (except a political entity) whose name is on the Transparency Register must notify the Electoral Commissioner, in an approved form, if information on the Transparency Register relating to the person or entity ceases to be correct or complete.

Note: For who is responsible for notifying the Electoral Commissioner in relation to certain entities that are not legal persons, see section 287C.

(67) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (line 9), omit "28 days", substitute "90 days".

(68) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (lines 11 and 12), omit the note.

(69) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19, (after line 13), at the end of section 287P, add:

(3) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (2) of this section.

(70) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (line 14), omit "Registers", substitute "Transparency Register".

(71) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (lines 15 and 16), omit "Register of Political Campaigners, the Register of Third Party Campaigners and the Register of Associated Entities", substitute "Transparency Register".

(72) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (line 18), omit "Each of the Registers", substitute "The Transparency Register".

(73) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (line 19), omit "Registers", substitute "Transparency Register".

(74) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (lines 20 and 21), omit "Register of Political Campaigners, the Register of Third Party Campaigners or the Register of Associated Entities", substitute "Transparency Register".

(75) Schedule 1, item 11, page 19 (after line 22), at the end of Division 1A, add:

Subdivision D—Anti- avoidance

287S Anti - avoidance

(1) The Electoral Commissioner may give a person or entity (the relevant person) a written notice if:

(a) one or more persons or entities (whether or not including the relevant person) enter into, begin to carry out or carry out a scheme; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds to conclude that the person or entity, or any of the persons or entities, who entered into, began to carry out or carried out the scheme or any part of the scheme did so for the sole or dominant purpose of avoiding the requirement to register the relevant person under section 287F or 287H (requirement to register as a political campaigner or associated entity) for a financial year; and

(c) as a result of the scheme or part of the scheme:

(i) the amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the relevant person during the financial year is reduced below the amount specified in paragraph 287F(1)(a) or subparagraph 287F(1)(b)(i); or

(ii) the amount of revenue of the relevant person during the previous financial year is increased; or

(iii) the amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the relevant person during the previous financial year is reduced; or

(iv) the relevant person is controlled by another person or entity that is not a registered political party but the other person or entity is controlled by, or controls, a registered political party; or

(v) the relevant person operates wholly, or to a significant extent, for the benefit of another person or entity that is not a registered political party but the other person or entity is controlled by, or controls, a registered political party; and

(d) as a result of the scheme or part, the relevant person is not required to be registered under section 287F or 287H for the financial year.

Note 1: A decision to give a notice is a reviewable decision (see section 120).

Note 2: For the definition of scheme, see subsection 287(1).

(2) The notice must specify that, for the purposes of this Act, the relevant person is taken, from the day specified in the notice, to be required to be registered for the financial year as a political campaigner or associated entity (as the case requires), and the notice has effect accordingly.

(3) The day specified in the notice must not be earlier than the day the notice is given to the relevant person.

(4) This section applies whether or not the scheme is entered into, begun to be carried out or carried out:

(a) in Australia; or

(b) outside Australia; or

(c) partly in Australia and partly outside Australia.

(76) Schedule 1, page 19 (before line 23), before item 12, insert:

11A Section 308

Repeal the section.

(77) Schedule 1, Division 1, page 19 (after line 24), at the end of the Division, add:

12A Paragraphs 321D ( 4 ) (a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs.

(78) Schedule 1, item 13, page 19 (after line 29), at the end of subitem (1), add:

Note: The effect of subitem (1) is that a person or entity may be required to be registered as a political campaigner or associated entity before the end of 90 days after the commencement of this item (see subsections 287F(2) and 287H(2) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918).

(79) Schedule 1, item 13, page 20 (lines 1 to 19), omit subitems (2) and (3), substitute:

(2) For the purposes of determining whether a person or entity:

(a) is required to be registered under section 287F of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as inserted by this Part; or

(b) is a third party (within the meaning of subsection 287(1) of that Act);

a reference in section 287F, or in the definition of third party in subsection 287(1), of that Act to electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of a person or entity is, in relation to the period beginning on 1 July 2015 and ending immediately before the commencement of this item, taken to be a reference to:

(c) for section 287F—expenditure disclosed by the person or entity in accordance with section 314AEB of that Act for the financial years beginning on 1 July 2015 and ending on 30 June 2018; and

(d) in any case—expenditure covered by section 314AEB of that Act incurred or authorised by the person or entity during the period beginning on 1 July 2018 and ending immediately before that commencement.

Transitional registration of associated entities

(3) For the purposes of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, an entity in relation to which a return is provided under section 314AEA (annual returns by associated entities) of that Act for the 2017-2018 financial year is taken, on and after the commencement of this item, to be registered as an associated entity under section 287L of that Act for the 2018-2019 financial year (whether the return is provided before or after that commencement).

(4) However, if the entity is not required to be registered as an associated entity for the 2018-2019 financial year, the entity must notify the Electoral Commissioner that the entity is not required to be so registered within 90 days of:

(a) the commencement of this item; or

(b) if the entity did not provide a return for the 2017-2018 financial year until after that commencement—the day the entity provided the return.

(5) To avoid doubt, subitems (3) and (4) do not limit the effect of section 287H or 287P of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

Application of Transparency Register

(6) Sections 287N (Transparency Register) and 287Q (Transparency Register to be made public etc.) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as inserted by this Part, apply as soon as practicable, and no later than 90 days, after the commencement of this item.

(7) Section 287P (obligation to notify Electoral Commissioner of changes to information on Transparency Register) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as inserted by this Part, applies:

(a) on and after the day the Transparency Register first becomes available to the public under section 287Q of that Act; and

(b) in relation to information that ceased to be correct or complete before that day—as if the reference in subsection 287P(2) to the information ceasing to be correct or complete were a reference to that day.

(80) Schedule 1, item 15, page 21 (line 10) to page 22 (line 18), omit section 286A, substitute:

286A Simplified outline of this Part

(81) Schedule 1, item 16, page 22 (lines 19 to 21), omit the item, substitute:

16 Subsection 287 ( 1 ) (definitions of designated federal party , disclosure period, eligible vote and entitlement )

Repeal the definitions.

16A Subsection 287 ( 1 )

Insert:

federal party means a registered political party that has:

(a) a federal branch; and

(b) 2 or more State branches that are registered political parties.

(82) Schedule 1, page 22 (after line 27), after item 18, insert:

18A Subsection 287 ( 1 ) (definition of Liberal Party )

Repeal the definition.

18B Subsection 287 ( 1 )

Insert:

State or Territory electoral law means a law of a State or Territory that deals with electoral matters (within the ordinary meaning of the expression).

State or Territory electoral purpose means a purpose relating to a State, Territory or local government election (and, to avoid doubt, does not include the purpose of incurring electoral expenditure or creating or communicating electoral matter).

18C Section 287B

Repeal the section.

(83) Schedule 1, item 20, page 23 (lines 5 to 16), omit section 287V, substitute:

287V Simplified outline of this Division

(84) Schedule 1, item 26, page 25 (lines 8 and 9), omit ", third party campaigners".

(85) Schedule 1, item 26, page 25 (line 10), omit ", third party campaigner".

(86) Schedule 1, item 26, page 25 (line 13), omit ", third party campaigner".

(87) Schedule 1, item 26, page 25 (line 16), omit ", third party campaigner".

(88) Schedule 1, item 26, page 26 (line 4), omit ", third party campaigner".

(89) Schedule 1, item 26, page 26 (lines 24 and 25), omit ", third party campaigner".

(90) Schedule 1, item 27, page 27 (line 3), omit "However, a claim must be made for election funding to be paid.", substitute "Election funding of $10,000 (as indexed) is paid as soon as practicable after 20 days after the polling day for the election or elections. However, a claim must be made for election funding of more than that amount to be paid.".

(91) Schedule 1, item 27, page 27 (line 6), after "However,", insert "for an amount of election funding that is more than $10,000 (as indexed),".

(92) Schedule 1, item 27, page 27 (line 24), omit "the election funding", substitute "election funding of more than $10,000".

(93) Schedule 1, item 27, page 27 (line 26) to page 28 (line 12), omit subsection 293(2), substitute:

(2) The amount of election funding that is payable in relation to the party is:

(a) the total of the following:

(i) $2.73454 for each formal first preference vote given for a candidate in relation to whom paragraph (1)(a) is satisfied;

(ii) $2.73454 for each formal first preference group vote in respect of a group in relation to which paragraph (1)(b) is satisfied;

based on formal first preference votes and formal first preference group votes counted as at the day mentioned in subsection (3); or

(b) if the amount worked out under paragraph (a) is more than $10,000—the lesser of:

(i) the amount worked out under that paragraph; and

(ii) the amount of electoral expenditure that is claimed in respect of the registered political party for all elections held that day, and accepted by the Electoral Commission under section 298C.

Note: The amounts in subparagraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) and paragraph (b) are indexed under section 321.

(3) The amount worked out under paragraph (2)(a) is based on formal first preference votes and formal first preference group votes counted as at the day:

(a) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision BA—that is 20 days after the polling day for the election or elections; or

(b) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision C—a determination on the party's interim claim or final claim (as the case requires) for election funding is made by the Electoral Commission.

(94) Schedule 1, item 27, page 28 (line 23), omit "the election funding", substitute "election funding of more than $10,000".

(95) Schedule 1, item 27, page 28 (line 25) to page 29 (line 1), omit subsection 294(2), substitute:

(2) The amount of election funding that is payable in relation to the candidate is:

(a) $2.73454 for each formal first preference vote given for the candidate in the election, based on formal first preference votes counted as at the day mentioned in subsection (3); or

(b) if the amount worked out under paragraph (a) is more than $10,000—the lesser of:

(i) the amount worked out under paragraph (a); and

(ii) the amount of electoral expenditure that is claimed in respect of the candidate for the election, and accepted by the Electoral Commission under section 298C.

Note: The amounts in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) are indexed under section 321.

(3) The amount worked out under paragraph (2)(a) is based on formal first preference votes counted as at the day:

(a) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision BA—that is 20 days after the polling day for the election; or

(b) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision C—a determination on the candidate's interim claim or final claim (as the case requires) for election funding is made by the Electoral Commission.

(96) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (line 10), omit "the election funding", substitute "election funding of more than $10,000".

(97) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (lines 12 to 25), omit subsection 295(2), substitute:

(2) The amount of election funding that is payable in relation to the group is:

(a) $2.73454 for each formal first preference group vote in the Senate election, based on formal first preference votes and formal first preference group votes counted as at the day mentioned in subsection (3); or

(b) if the amount worked out under paragraph (a) is more than $10,000—the lesser of:

(i) the amount worked out under paragraph (a); and

(ii) the amount of electoral expenditure that is claimed in respect of the group for the Senate election, and accepted by the Electoral Commission under section 298C.

Note: The amounts in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) are indexed under section 321.

(3) The amount worked out under paragraph (2)(a) is based on formal first preference votes and formal first preference group votes counted as at the day:

(a) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision BA—that is 20 days after the polling day for the Senate election; or

(b) if the amount is to be paid under Subdivision C—a determination on the group's interim claim or final claim (as the case requires) for election funding is made by the Electoral Commission.

(98) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (after line 25), after Subdivision B, insert:

Subdivision BA—Automatic payment of election funding of $10,000

296 Automatic payment of election funding of $10,000

(1) As soon as practicable after 20 days after the polling day for an election or elections, the Electoral Commission must pay $10,000 in relation to each registered political party, candidate, or group in a Senate election, that is entitled to claim, and wishes to receive, an amount under subsection 293(2), 294(2) or 295(2).

Note 1: The amount of $10,000 is indexed under section 321.

Note 2: A registered political party may state under paragraph 126(2)(d) that it does not wish to receive election funding.

(2) The amount must be paid to:

(a) for a registered political party:

(i) that is a State branch of a federal party; and

(ii) that the agent of the federal party has agreed may receive the amount;

the agent of the State branch; or

(b) for a registered political party:

(i) that is a State branch of a federal party; and

(ii) that the agent of the federal party has not agreed may receive the amount;

the agent of the federal party; or

(c) for any other registered political party—the agent of the registered political party; or

(d) for a candidate or group—the agent of the candidate or group.

(99) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (line 26), at the end of the heading to Subdivision C, add "of more than $10,000".

(100) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (line 27), at the end of the heading to section 297, add "for election funding of more than $10,000".

(101) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (line 28), omit "an amount of election funding", substitute "election funding of more than $10,000".

(102) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (line 30), omit paragraph 297(1)(a), substitute:

(a) for a registered political party:

(i) that is a State branch of a federal party; and

(ii) that the agent of the federal party has agreed may receive the election funding;

the agent of the State branch; or

(aa) for a registered political party:

(i) that is a State branch of a federal party; and

(ii) that the agent of the federal party has not agreed may receive the election funding;

the agent of the federal party; or

(ab) for any other registered political party—the agent of the registered political party; or

(103) Schedule 1, item 27, page 29 (after line 31), at the end of subsection 297(1), add:

Note: The amount of $10,000 is indexed under section 321.

(104) Schedule 1, item 27, page 30 (lines 4 to 6), omit subsection 297(3), substitute:

(3) A final claim must specify all electoral expenditure for which election funding is sought, even if:

(a) some of the election funding sought has already been paid under Subdivision BA; or

(b) some or all of the electoral expenditure has been specified in an interim claim.

(105) Schedule 1, item 27, page 30 (lines 11 to 15), omit subsection 298(1), substitute:

(1) A claim made by the agent of a registered political party must specify, in relation to all elections held on the same day, electoral expenditure covered by subsection (1A) for which election funding is sought.

(1A) The electoral expenditure must have been incurred, in relation to the elections, by:

(a) for a claim made by the agent of a registered political party under paragraph 297(1)(a) or (ab):

(i) the party; or

(ii) a candidate endorsed by the party; or

(b) for a claim made by the agent of a federal party under paragraph 297(1)(aa) in relation to a State branch of the federal party:

(i) the State branch; or

(ii) a candidate endorsed by the State branch or by the federal party; or

(iii) the federal party.

(106) Schedule 1, item 27, page 32 (lines 24 to 28), omit subsection 298D(2) (not including the notes), substitute:

(2) Within 20 days of the Electoral Commission receiving the claim, the Electoral Commission must pay 95% of the amount:

(a) payable in relation to the party, candidate or group under subsection 293(2), 294(2) or 295(2); and

(b) reduced by any amount that has been paid in relation to the party, candidate or group in accordance with section 296.

The amount must be paid in accordance with paragraphs 298A(c) and (d).

(107) Schedule 1, item 27, page 33 (lines 5 to 10), omit subsection 298E(2) (not including the notes), substitute:

(2) Within 20 days of the Electoral Commission receiving the claim, the Electoral Commission must pay the amount:

(a) payable in relation to the party, candidate or group under subsection 293(2), 294(2) or 295(2); and

(b) reduced by any amount that has been paid in relation to the party, candidate or group in accordance with section 296 or 298D.

The amount must be paid in accordance with paragraphs 298A(c) and (d).

(108) Schedule 1, item 33, page 37 (lines 5 to 27), omit section 302A, substitute:

302A Simplified outline of this Division

(109) Schedule 1, item 33, page 38 (line 1), omit the heading to section 302B, substitute:

302B Definitions

(110) Schedule 1, item 33, page 38 (line 2), omit "(1) In", substitute "In".

(111) Schedule 1, item 33, page 38 (lines 14 to 21), omit subsection 302B(2).

(112) Schedule 1, item 33, page 38 (after line 29), at the end of Subdivision A, add:

302CA Relationship with State and Territory electoral laws

Giving, receiving or retaining gifts

(1) Despite any State or Territory electoral law, a person or entity may:

(a) give a gift to, or for the benefit of, a political entity, a political campaigner or a third party (a gift recipient); or

(b) if the person or entity is a gift recipient—receive or retain a gift; or

(c) on behalf of a gift recipient, receive or retain a gift;

if:

(d) this Division does not prohibit the giving, receiving or retaining of the gift; and

(e) the gift, or part of the gift, is required to be, or may be, used for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) A gift, or part of a gift, is required to be, or may be, used for a purpose of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, if:

(a) any terms set by the person or entity providing the gift explicitly require or allow the gift or part to be used for that purpose (whether or not those terms are enforceable); or

(b) the person or entity providing the gift does not set terms relating to the purpose for which the gift or part can be used.

Gifts made or retained for State or Territory electoral purposes

(3) Without limiting when subsection (1) does not apply, that subsection does not apply in relation to all or part of a gift if:

(a) any terms set by the person or entity providing the gift explicitly require the gift or part to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose (whether or not those terms are enforceable); or

(b) either:

(i) the effect of a State or Territory electoral law is to require the gift or part to be kept or identified separately (or to require the gift or part to be kept or identified separately in order to be entitled to a benefit under that law); or

(ii) the gift recipient keeps or identifies the gift or part separately;

in order to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose.

Note: For the purposes of subparagraph (3)(b)(ii), a gift recipient may identify the electoral purpose for which a gift is to be used at any time prior to using that gift. A person who gives, receives or retains a gift that is used for a State or Territory electoral purpose in contravention of a State or Territory electoral law may be liable to a penalty under the State or Territory electoral law.

Example:   A gift is given without expressing an intended purpose, and ultimately is used for a State or Territory electoral purpose. The giving, receipt, retention and use of that gift must comply with the State or Territory electoral law.

Using gifts

(4) Despite any State or Territory electoral law, a gift recipient may use, or authorise the use of, a gift for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, if this Division does not prohibit the use of the gift.

(5) Without limiting when subsection (4) does not apply, that subsection does not apply in relation to all or part of a gift if the effect of the State or Territory electoral law is to require the gift or part to be kept or identified separately (or to require the gift or part to be kept or identified separately in order to be entitled to a benefit under that law) in order to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose.

When gifts are kept or identified separately

(6) Without limiting paragraph (3)(b) or subsection (5), an amount that is all or part of a gift of money is kept or identified separately in order to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose if:

(a) the amount is kept in an account where:

(i) the only amounts deposited into the account are amounts to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose; and

(ii) the only amounts paid out of the account are amounts incurred for a State or Territory electoral purpose; or

(b) the amount is designated as an amount that must be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose.

(113) Schedule 1, item 33, page 39 (line 4), at the end of the heading to section 302D, add "by foreign donors".

(114) Schedule 1, item 33, page 39 (line 13), omit "not an allowable donor", substitute "a foreign donor".

(115) Schedule 1, item 33, page 39 (lines 14 to 25), omit paragraphs 302D(1)(e) to (g), substitute:

(e) at the time the gift is made, the amount or value of the gift is at least $1,000; and

(f) acceptable action has not been taken in relation to the gift before the end of 6 weeks after the gift is made.

(116) Schedule 1, item 33, page 39 (lines 26 to 28), omit note 1.

(117) Schedule 1, item 33, page 39 (after line 32), after subsection 302D(1), insert:

Exception—obtaining information about foreign donor status

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a gift made by a person (the donor) if:

(a) before the end of 6 weeks after the gift was made, the donor affirmed in writing to the agent or financial controller, or to the political entity or political campaigner, that the donor was not a foreign donor; and

(b) for a gift whose amount or value was, at the time the gift was made, at least equal to the disclosure threshold—before the end of 6 weeks after the gift was made:

(i) the agent or financial controller obtained appropriate donor information in accordance with section 302P establishing that the donor was not a foreign donor; or

(ii) the agent or financial controller took reasonable steps to verify that the donor was not a foreign donor; and

(c) in any case—the agent or financial controller did not, at any time during that 6-week period, know, or have reasonable grounds to believe, that the donor was a foreign donor.

Note 1: A person who wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code and section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

Note 2: A person who makes a false affirmation or provides false donor information for the purposes of paragraph (a) or subparagraph (b)(i) of this subsection may be liable to a penalty (see section 302G).

Exception—private capacity

(1B) Subsection (1) does not apply if the gift was made in a private capacity to the gift recipient for the gift recipient's personal use.

Note: A person who wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code and section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

Exception—donations given on terms inconsistent with incurring electoral expenditure etc.

(1C) Subsection (1) does not apply if using the gift for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, would be inconsistent with the terms of the gift.

Note: A person who wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code and section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

(118) Schedule 1, item 33, page 40 (line 4), omit the penalty, substitute:

Penalty:200 penalty units.

(119) Schedule 1, item 33, page 40 (line 8), omit the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 200 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift at the time the gift is made—3 times that amount or value.

(120) Schedule 1, item 33, page 40 (line 11), omit "Section 93", substitute "Subsection 93(2)".

(121) Schedule 1, item 33, page 40 (lines 14 and 15), omit "party campaigners and certain political campaigners", substitute "partiesby foreign donors".

(122) Schedule 1, item 33, page 40 (line 16) to page 41 (line 22), omit subsections 302E(1) and (2), substitute:

(1) A person or entity (the gift recipient) contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the gift recipient is a third party; and

(b) a gift is made to, or for the benefit of, the gift recipient during a financial year; and

(c) the gift is made by, or on behalf of, a person or entity (the donor); and

(d) the donor is a foreign donor; and

(e) at the time the gift is made, the amount or value of the gift is at least equal to the disclosure threshold; and

(f) the gift recipient uses the gift:

(i) for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure; or

(ii) for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter; and

(g) acceptable action has not been taken in relation to the gift before the end of 6 weeks after the gift is made.

Note 1: The amount or value of the gift might be a debt due to the Commonwealth under section 302Q.

Note 2: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (3) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Exception—obtaining information about foreign donor status

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a) before the end of 6 weeks after the gift was made, the donor affirmed in writing to the gift recipient that the donor was not a foreign donor; and

(b) before the end of 6 weeks after the gift was made:

(i) the gift recipient obtained appropriate donor information in accordance with section 302P establishing that the donor was not a foreign donor; or

(ii) the gift recipient took reasonable steps to verify that the donor was not a foreign donor; and

(c) in any case—the gift recipient did not, at any time during that 6-week period, know, or have reasonable grounds to believe, that the donor was a foreign donor.

Note 1: A person or entity that wishes to rely on this subsection bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code and section 96 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

Note 2: A person who makes a false affirmation or provides false donor information for the purposes of paragraph (a) or subparagraph (b)(i) of this subsection may be liable to a penalty (see section 302G).

(123) Schedule 1, item 33, page 41 (line 24), omit "person commits an offence if the person", insert "person or entity commits an offence if the person or entity".

(124) Schedule 1, item 33, page 41 (line 26), omit the penalty, substitute:

Penalty:50 penalty units.

(125) Schedule 1, item 33, page 41 (line 28), omit "person is liable to a civil penalty if the person", insert "person or entity is liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity".

(126) Schedule 1, item 33, page 41 (line 30), omit the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 100 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift at the time the gift is made—3 times that amount or value.

(127) Schedule 1, item 33, page 42 (line 3), omit "Section 93", substitute "Subsection 93(2)".

(128) Schedule 1, item 33, page 42 (line 6) to page 46 (line 10), omit sections 302F to 302J, substitute:

302F Gifts provided for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure etc.

Offence by gift recipient etc.

(1) A person or entity (the relevant person) contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the relevant person is:

(i) the agent of a political entity; or

(ii) the financial controller of a political campaigner; or

(iii) a third party; and

(b) a gift is made to, or for the benefit of, the political entity, political campaigner or third party by a foreign donor; and

(c) the relevant person knows that the donor is a foreign donor; and

(d) the amount or value of the gift is at least $100; and

(e) either of the following applies:

(i) the relevant person knows that the foreign donor intends the gift to be used for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter;

(ii) the relevant person accepted the gift intending to use the gift for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter; and

(f) acceptable action has not been taken in relation to the gift before the end of 6 weeks after the gift is made.

Note: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (3) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Offence by foreign donor

(2) A person or entity (the donor) contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the donor is a foreign donor; and

(b) the donor makes a gift to, or for the benefit of, another person or entity; and

(c) the other person or entity is:

(i) a political entity; or

(ii) a political campaigner; or

(iii) a third party; and

(d) if the other person or entity is a third party:

(i) the donor intends the gift to be used for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter; or

(ii) the donor knows that the other person or entity accepts the gift intending to use the gift for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or for the dominant purpose of creating or communicating electoral matter; and

(e) in any case—acceptable action has not been taken in relation to the gift before the end of 6 weeks after the gift is made.

Note: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (3) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Offence

(3) A person or entity commits an offence if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1) or (2).

Penalty:

(a) for a contravention of subsection (1) by a third party—50 penalty units; or

(b) otherwise—100 penalty units.

(4) Section 15.4 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (3).

Civil penalty

(5) A person or entity is liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1) or (2).

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) either:

(i) for a contravention of subsection (1) by a third party—100 penalty units; or

(ii) otherwise—200 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift at the time the gift is made—3 times that amount or value.

(6) Subsection (5) applies:

(a) whether or not the conduct constituting the contravention of subsection (1) or (2) occurs in Australia; and

(b) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged contravention of subsection (1) or (2) occurs in Australia.

302G False affirmation or information that donor is not a foreign donor

(1) A person contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the person makes an affirmation or provides appropriate donor information in relation to a gift; and

(b) the affirmation or information is for the purposes of paragraph 302D(1A)(a) or 302E(2)(a) or subparagraph 302D(1A)(b)(i) or 302E(2)(b)(i); and

(c) the person knows that the affirmation or information is false.

Note: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (2) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Offence

(2) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Penalty:100 penalty units.

(3) Section 15.4 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (2).

Civil penalty

(4) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 200 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift—3 times that amount or value.

(5) Subsection (4) applies:

(a) whether or not the conduct constituting the contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia; and

(b) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia.

302H Anti - avoidance

(1) The Electoral Commissioner may give a person or entity (the relevant person) a written notice if:

(a) the relevant person, whether alone or together with one or more other persons or entities, enters into, begins to carry out or carries out a scheme; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds to conclude that the relevant person did so for the sole or dominant purpose of avoiding section 302D, 302E or 302F prohibiting, in particular circumstances:

(i) a gift being made to or for the benefit of a political entity, political campaigner or third party (whether or not the relevant person) by or on behalf of a foreign donor; or

(ii) a gift made by or on behalf of a foreign donor being received, retained or used by or on behalf of a political entity, political campaigner or third party (whether or not the relevant person); and

(c) as a result of the scheme or part of the scheme:

(i) the foreign donor engages in a course of conduct of giving the gift, and one or more other gifts, to or for the benefit of the political entity, political campaigner or third party in those circumstances, where the amount or value of each of those gifts is below the amount specified in the provision but the total amount or value of the gifts is more than that amount; or

(ii) the foreign donor forms, or participates in the formation of, a body corporate in Australia; or

(iii) the making of the gift to or for the benefit of the political entity, political campaigner or third party by or on behalf of the foreign donor in those circumstances is otherwise facilitated; and

(d) as a result of the scheme or part, the provision does not prohibit the making, receipt, retention or use of the gift in those circumstances.

Note 1: A decision to give a notice is a reviewable decision (see section 120).

Note 2: For the definition of scheme, see subsection 287(1).

(2) The notice must:

(a) specify the conduct constituting the scheme; and

(b) require the relevant person:

(i) not to enter into the scheme; or

(ii) not to begin to carry out the scheme; or

(iii) not to continue to carry out the scheme.

Offence

(3) A person or entity commits an offence if:

(a) the person or entity is given a notice under subsection (1); and

(b) the person or entity engages in conduct; and

(c) the conduct contravenes the notice.

Penalty:200 penalty units.

(4) Section 15.4 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (3).

Civil penalty

(5) A person or entity is liable to a civil penalty if:

(a) the person or entity is given a notice under subsection (1); and

(b) the person or entity engages in conduct; and

(c) the conduct contravenes the notice.

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following amounts:

(a) 200 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift—3 times that amount or value.

(6) Subsection (5) applies:

(a) whether or not the conduct constituting the contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia; and

(b) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia.

(130) Schedule 1, item 33, page 49 (line 6), omit "Exceptions and other", substitute "Other".

(132) Schedule 1, item 33, page 50 (lines 1 to 17), omit section 302P, substitute:

302P Information relating to foreign donor status

(1) A person or entity (the first person) obtains appropriate donor information in relation to a person or entity (the donor) making a gift, or on whose behalf a gift is made, establishing that the donor is not a foreign donor if the first person obtains information or a document specified in column 2 of the applicable item in the following table:

Note 1: A person or entity who obtains appropriate donor information may not commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision in this Division (see subsections 302D(1A) and 302E(2)).

Note 2: In 2018, trust deeds or other governing documents of entities registered under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 were generally available on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Register as a governing document (see https://www.acnc.gov.au).

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of item 3 of the table, each of the minutes or other official documents must evidence a different kind of decision.

(3) For the purposes of item 3 of the table, information may be omitted, redacted or deleted from the minutes, documents or information.

(133) Schedule 1, item 33, page 50 (lines 23 and 24), omit "302L (except section 302J)", substitute "302F".

(134) Schedule 1, item 34, page 51 (line 10), omit "during the disclosure period for the election".

(135) Schedule 1, item 34, page 51 (line 20), omit "Commission", substitute "Commissioner, on the Transparency Register,".

(136) Schedule 1, page 52 (after line 2), after item 36, insert:

36A Subsection 304 ( 2 )

Omit "during the disclosure period for the election", substitute "while the person was a candidate in the election or by-election".

(137) Schedule 1, item 37, page 52 (lines 5 to 7), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of gifts not disclosed—3 times that amount or value.

(138) Schedule 1, page 52 (after line 9), after item 38, insert:

38A Subsection 304 ( 3 )

Omit "during the disclosure period for the election", substitute "while the group was a group in the election".

(139) Schedule 1, item 39, page 52 (lines 12 to 14), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of gifts not disclosed—3 times that amount or value.

(141) Schedule 1, page 53 (after line 10), after item 45, insert:

45A At the end of section 304

Add:

(9) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (2) or (3) of this section.

(142) Schedule 1, item 46, page 53 (lines 11 and 12), omit the item, substitute:

45B Subsection 305A ( 1 )

After "A person", insert "or entity".

46 Paragraph 305A ( 1 ) (a)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(a) the person or entity makes a gift or gifts to any candidate or member of a group in an election or by-election; and

(143) Schedule 1, item 48, page 53 (lines 15 to 18), omit the item, substitute:

48 Paragraph 305A ( 1 ) (c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(c) at the time the person or entity makes the gift or gifts, the person or entity is not a political entity or an associated entity.

(144) Schedule 1, item 50, page 53 (lines 21 and 22), omit the item, substitute:

49A Subsection 305A(1A)

After "A person", insert "or entity".

50 Paragraph 305A(1A)(a)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(a) the person or entity makes a gift or gifts:

(i) during the period, relating to an election or by-election, specified by legislative instrument by the Electoral Commissioner; and

(ii) to any person or entity (whether incorporated or not) specified by the instrument; and

(145) Schedule 1, item 52, page 53 (line 25) to page 54 (line 2), omit the item, substitute:

52 Paragraph 305A(1A)(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(c) at the time the person or entity makes the gift or gifts, the person or entity is not a political entity or associated entity.

(146) Schedule 1, item 54, page 54 (lines 5 and 6), omit the item, substitute:

54 Subsection 305A ( 2 )

Omit "The person must", substitute "The person or entity must, in accordance with this section,".

54A Paragraph 305A ( 2 ) (a)

Omit "made during the disclosure period".

(147) Schedule 1, item 55, page 54 (lines 7 and 8), omit the item, substitute:

55 Paragraph 305A ( 2 ) (b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

(b) all gifts of more than the disclosure threshold, received by the person or entity at any time, that the person or entity used (either wholly or partly):

(i) to enable the person or entity to make the gifts mentioned in paragraph (a) of this subsection; or

(ii) to reimburse the person or entity for making such gifts.

(148) Schedule 1, item 56, page 54 (lines 11 to 13), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of gifts not disclosed—3 times that amount or value.

(149) Schedule 1, item 57, page 54 (lines 14 and 15), omit the item, substitute:

57 Subsection 305A(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2), 2 or more gifts made by a person or entity are taken to be one gift if:

(a) the gifts are made to the same candidate or group in an election or by-election; or

(b) the gifts are made to the same person or entity during the period specified by legislative instrument under paragraph (1A)(a).

(150) Schedule 1, item 59, page 54 (lines 18 and 19), omit the item, substitute:

58A Paragraph 305A ( 4 ) (c)

Omit "organisation", substitute "entity".

59 Subsection 305A ( 5 )

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

(5) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (2) of this section.

(151) Schedule 1, item 61, page 54 (line 23) to page 55 (line 15), omit the item, substitute:

61 Subsections 305B ( 1 ) and ( 2 )

Repeal the subsections, substitute:

(1) If, in a financial year, a person or entity makes gifts totalling more than the disclosure threshold to:

(a) the same registered political party; or

(b) the same State branch of a registered political party; or

(c) the same political campaigner;

the person or entity must, in accordance with this section, provide a return to the Electoral Commission within 20 weeks after the end of the financial year, covering all the gifts that the person or entity made to that political party, branch or campaigner during the financial year.

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of gifts not disclosed—3 times that amount or value.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person or entity who makes a gift to any other person or entity with the intention of benefiting a particular registered political party, State branch of a registered political party, or political campaigner, is taken to have made that gift directly to that party, branch or campaigner.

(152) Schedule 1, item 63, page 55 (line 21), after "person", insert "or entity".

(153) Schedule 1, page 55 (after line 28), after item 63, insert:

63A Paragraph 305B(3B)(e)

After "person", insert "or entity".

(154) Schedule 1, item 64, page 55 (after line 32), at the end of section 305B, add:

(6) In addition, this section does not apply in relation to a gift if:

(a) the gift was received by, or on behalf of, a person or organisation that was registered under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012; and

(b) no part of the gift was used during the financial year by the person or organisation:

(i) to enable the person or organisation to incur electoral expenditure, or create or communicate electoral matter; or

(ii) to reimburse the person or organisation for incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter.

(7) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (1) of this section.

(155) Schedule 1, item 70, page 57 (lines 7 and 8), omit the item, substitute:

70 Subsections 306A ( 4 ) and ( 5 )

Repeal the subsections.

(156) Schedule 1, item 73, page 57 (line 29), omit "gift; and", substitute "gift.".

(157) Schedule 1, item 73, page 57 (line 30) to page 58 (line 3), omit paragraph 306B(1)(c).

(158) Schedule 1, item 74, page 59 (line 2), omit "Commission", substitute "Commissioner, on the Transparency Register,".

(160) Schedule 1, item 78, page 59 (lines 14 to 16), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, of electoral expenditure not disclosed—3 times that amount.

(161) Schedule 1, item 80, page 59 (lines 21 to 23), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, of electoral expenditure not disclosed—3 times that amount.

(162) Schedule 1, item 81, page 59 (line 24) to page 60 (line 10), omit the item, substitute:

81 At the end of section 309

Add:

(4) A return provided under subsection (2) or (3) must also include details of any discretionary benefits (however described) received by, or on behalf of, the person or any of the members of the group from the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory during the period of 12 months before polling day in the election.

(163) Schedule 1, item 81, page 60 (after line 10), at the end of section 309, add:

(5) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (2) or (3) of this section.

(164) Schedule 1, item 84, page 60 (line 22), omit ", and the senior staff of,".

(165) Schedule 1, item 84, page 60 (line 23), omit "Third party campaigners", substitute "Third parties".

(166) Schedule 1, item 84, page 60 (line 24), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(167) Schedule 1, item 84, page 60 (line 25), omit ", and the senior staff of, the campaigners", substitute "the third parties".

(168) Schedule 1, item 84, page 60 (line 28), omit "Commission", substitute "Commissioner, on the Transparency Register,".

(169) Schedule 1, item 86, page 61 (lines 4 and 5), omit ", third party campaigner or associated entity", substitute "or third party".

(170) Schedule 1, item 87, page 61 (lines 20 to 22), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 120 penalty units;

(b) if an amount is not disclosed under paragraph (2)(a) or subparagraph (2)(b)(ii) and there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, not disclosed—3 times that amount.

(171) Schedule 1, item 87, page 61 (line 33), omit "314AE; and", substitute "314AE;".

(172) Schedule 1, item 87, page 61 (after line 33), at the end of paragraph 314AB(2)(a), add:

(iv) for political campaigners—the total amount of electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the campaigner; and

(173) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (lines 1 to 10), omit paragraph 314AB(2)(b), substitute:

(b) include details of any discretionary benefits (however described) received by, or on behalf of, the party, branch or campaigner from the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory during the financial year; and

(174) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (lines 11 and 12), omit paragraph 314AB(2)(c).

(175) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (lines 13 to 20), omit paragraph 314AB(2)(d).

(176) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (line 21), omit "in any case—".

(177) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (line 22), omit the note.

(178) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (line 24), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(179) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (after line 30), at the end of section 314AB, add:

(4) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (1) of this section.

(181) Schedule 1, item 89, page 64 (lines 15 and 16), omit the item, substitute:

89 Subsection 314AC ( 1 )

Omit "$10,000, the return must", substitute "the disclosure threshold, the return must (subject to subsection (4))".

(182) Schedule 1, page 64 (after line 23), after item 92, insert:

92A At the end of section 314AC

Add:

(4) This section does not apply in relation to an amount if:

(a) the amount was received by, or on behalf of, a person or organisation that was registered under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012; and

(b) no part of the amount was used during the financial year by the person or organisation:

(i) to enable the person or organisation to incur electoral expenditure, or create or communicate electoral matter; or

(ii) to reimburse the person or organisation for incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter.

(183) Schedule 1, item 97, page 65 (lines 6 to 19), omit the item, substitute:

97 At the end of subsection 314AEA ( 1 )

Add:

; and (d) in any case—details of any discretionary benefits (however described) received by, or on behalf of, the entity from the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory during the financial year.

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, not disclosed in accordance with subsection (1)—3 times that amount.

(184) Schedule 1, item 99, page 65 (after line 31), at the end of section 314AEA, add:

(7) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (1) of this section.

(185) Schedule 1, item 100, page 66 (line 3), omit "third partycampaigners", substitute "third parties".

(186) Schedule 1, item 101, page 66 (lines 6 to 19), omit subsection 314AEB(1), substitute:

(1) A person or entity must provide a return for a financial year in accordance with this section if the person or entity is a third party during the year.

(187) Schedule 1, item 101, page 66 (lines 20 to 22), omit the note and the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 60 penalty units;

(b) if an amount is not disclosed under paragraph (2)(a) and there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount, or an estimate of the amount, not disclosed under that paragraph—3 times that amount.

(188) Schedule 1, item 101, page 66 (line 23) to page 67 (line 7), omit subsection 314AEB(2), substitute:

(2) The third party must provide to the Electoral Commission a return for the financial year:

(a) setting out details of the electoral expenditure incurred by or with the authority of the third party during the financial year; and

(b) including a statement that the third party complied with section 302E (donations to third parties by foreign donors) during the financial year, signed by the members, agents or officers (however described) of the third party who have responsibility for ensuring that the third party complies with this Division.

(189) Schedule 1, item 102, page 67 (line 10), omit "campaigner", substitute "third party".

(190) Schedule 1, item 103, page 67 (lines 12 to 21), omit the item, substitute:

103 At the end of section 314AEB

Add:

(4) Subsection 93(2) of the Regulatory Powers Act does not apply in relation to a contravention of subsection (1) of this section.

(191) Schedule 1, item 104, page 67 (lines 24 and 25), omit "third party campaigners for political expenditure", substitute "third parties forelectoral expenditure".

(192) Schedule 1, item 104, page 67 (lines 29 and 30), omit "third party campaigners", substitute "third parties".

(193) Schedule 1, item 104, page 68 (lines 1 to 4), omit subparagraphs 314AEC(1)(b)(i) and (ii), substitute:

(i) to enable the person or entity to incur electoral expenditure; or

(ii) to reimburse the person or entity for incurring electoral expenditure; and

(194) Schedule 1, item 106, page 69 (after line 13), after section 314A, insert:

314B Relationship with State and Territory laws

Information on amounts provided or received

(1) Despite any State or Territory electoral law, a person or entity is not required to disclose under the law an amount, or information relating to an amount, (including a gift or loan) if:

(a) the amount is provided to or for the benefit of a political entity, political campaigner, third party or associated entity (the gift recipient); and

(b) the person or entity is:

(i) the gift recipient; or

(ii) the person or entity providing the amount; or

(iii) another person acting on behalf of the person or entity referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii); and

(c) either:

(i) the amount is required to be used by or with the authority of the gift recipient for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, in accordance with subsection (2); or

(ii) the amount may be used by or with the authority of the gift recipient for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, in accordance with subsection (2), and has not been used for a State or Territory electoral purpose before the end of the period during which the amount is required to be disclosed under the State or Territory electoral law.

Note: If an amount was used for State or Territory electoral purposes during the applicable State or Territory disclosure period, State or Territory electoral laws apply to the amount. A person who does not disclose, under a State or Territory electoral law, an amount used for a State or Territory electoral purpose before the end of that period may be liable to a penalty under the State or Territory electoral law.

(2) An amount is required to be, or may be, used for a purpose of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter, if:

(a) any terms set by the person or entity providing the amount explicitly require or allow the amount to be used for that purpose (whether or not those terms are enforceable); or

(b) the person or entity providing the amount does not set terms relating to the purpose for which the amount can be used.

Information on expenditure and debts

(3) Despite any State or Territory electoral law, a person or entity (the debtor) is not required to disclose under the law an amount, or information relating to an amount, of expenditure or a debt (except a debt incurred as a result of a loan) if:

(a) the debtor is a political entity, political campaigner, third party or associated entity; and

(b) either of the following apply:

(i) the expenditure is electoral expenditure;

(ii) the debt was incurred for the purposes of incurring electoral expenditure, or creating or communicating electoral matter.

Interpretation

(4) To avoid doubt, despite any State or Territory electoral law, a person is not required to disclose under the law an amount, or information relating to an amount, whether:

(a) the amount or information is required to be included in a return provided under this Part; or

(b) the amount or information is not required to be included in a return provided under this Part.

(5) Despite any State or Territory electoral law, if, under this section, an amount, or information relating to an amount, is not required to be disclosed under the law, then a total amount, or information relating to a total amount, that is required to be disclosed under the law is not required to include the amount.

Amounts made or retained for State or Territory electoral purposes

(6) Without limiting when subsection (1) does not apply, that subsection does not apply in relation to an amount of a gift if:

(a) any terms set by the person or entity providing the amount explicitly require the amount to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose (whether or not those terms are enforceable); or

(b) either:

(i) the effect of a State or Territory electoral law is to require the amount to be kept or identified separately (or to require the amount to be kept or identified separately in order to be entitled to a benefit under that law); or

(ii) the gift recipient keeps or identifies the amount separately;

in order to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose.

(7) Without limiting paragraph (6)(b), an amount is kept or identified separately in order to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose if:

(a) the amount is kept in an account where:

(i) the only amounts deposited into the account are amounts to be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose; and

(ii) the only amounts paid out of the account are amounts incurred for a State or Territory electoral purpose; or

(b) the amount is designated as an amount that must be used only for a State or Territory electoral purpose.

(195) Schedule 1, item 109, page 70 (lines 5 to 9), omit item 109, substitute:

109 Subsection 316(2A)

Omit "for the purpose of finding out whether a prescribed person, the financial controller of an associated entity or the agent of a registered political party has complied with this Part, by notice served personally or by post on:", substitute:

for the purpose of:

(aaa) finding out whether:

(i) a person to whom section 305B (gifts to political parties and political campaigners) applies or may apply; or

(ii) a prescribed person; or

(iii) the agent of a registered political party, candidate or group; or

(iv) the financial controller of a political campaigner or associated entity; or

(v) a third party;

has complied with this Part, or the Criminal Code to the extent that it relates to this Part; or

(aab) determining whether to give a notice under section 287S or 302H (anti-avoidance);

by noticed served personally or by post on:

(196) Schedule 1, item 110, page 70 (lines 14 and 15), omit "third party campaigner", substitute "third party".

(197) Schedule 1, item 110, page 70 (line 16), omit "third party campaigner", substitute "third party".

(198) Schedule 1, item 111, page 70 (lines 20 and 21), omit "(2A)(a) requires an officer of a political party, political campaigner, third party campaigner", substitute "(2A)(a) or (aa) requires an officer of a political party, political campaigner, third party".

(199) Schedule 1, item 111, page 70 (line 23), omit "campaigner or entity", substitute "political campaigner, third party or associated entity".

(200) Schedule 1, item 111, page 70 (line 25), omit "campaigner or entity", substitute "political campaigner, third party or associated entity".

(201) Schedule 1, item 113, page 71 (line 7), omit "third party campaigner", substitute "third party".

(202) Schedule 1, item 114, page 71 (line 9), omit "campaigner", substitute "political campaigner, third party".

(203) Schedule 1, item 117, page 71 (line 30), omit the penalty, substitute:

Civil penalty:200 penalty units.

(204) Schedule 1, items 121 to 123, page 72 (line 24) to page 73 (line 5), omit the items, substitute:

120A Subsection 319A ( 2 )

Omit "lodged a claim or".

120B Subsection 319A ( 2 )

Omit "the claim or", substitute "the".

121 Subsection 319A(2A)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

(2A) If the return was furnished by:

(a) the agent of a registered political party; or

(b) the financial controller of a political campaigner or associated entity; or

(c) a third party;

the request under subsection (2) may be made by:

(d) the person who furnished the return; or

(e) the person who is currently registered as the agent or nominated as a financial controller; or

(f) for a third party—any person who is a member, agent or officer (however described) of the third party who, acting in the person's actual or apparent authority, has authority to furnish a return.

122 Subsection 319A ( 4 )

Omit "claim or" (wherever occurring).

123 Subsection 319A ( 9 )

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

(9) The amendment of a return under this section does not affect whether a civil penalty order may be made against a person because of a contravention of a civil penalty provision in this Part arising out of the furnishing of the return.

(205) Schedule 1, item 124, page 73 (line 9), omit "Commission must publish the following", substitute "Commissioner must publish the following on the Transparency Register".

(206) Schedule 1, item 124, page 73 (line 11) (table heading), omit "Commission", substitute "Commissioner".

(207) Schedule 1, item 125, page 74 (line 6), omit paragraph (b) of the definition of relevant amount in subsection 321(1), substitute:

(b) paragraphs 293(2)(b), 294(2)(a) and (b) and 295(2)(a) and (b).

(208) Schedule 1, item 129, page 74 (lines 18 to 20), omit the item, substitute:

129 Subsection 321A ( 2 )

Omit "mentioned in the provision", substitute "mentioned in the definition".

129A Subsection 321A ( 3 )

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

(3) For the purposes of sections 304 and 305A, the dollar amount mentioned in the definition for an indexation year is not replaced if the indexation period begins:

(a) while a person is a candidate or member of a group in an election or by-election; or

(b) during the period specified by legislative instrument under paragraph 305A(1A)(a).

(209) Schedule 1, page 74 (after line 24), after item 130, insert:

130A Section 321B (after paragraph (a) of the definition of disclosure entity )

Insert:

(aa) a political campaigner (within the meaning of Part XX);

(ab) a third party (within the meaning of Part XX);

(210) Schedule 1, item 131, page 74 (line 28), after "person", insert "or entity".

(211) Schedule 1, item 131, page 75 (lines 1 to 7), omit subparagraphs (g)(i) and (ii), substitute:

(i) is or will be required to provide a return under section 305A or 305B for the financial year in which the time occurs; or

(ii) based on conduct in previous financial years, may be required to provide a return under section 305A or 305B for the financial year in which the time occurs;

(212) Schedule 1, item 131, page 75 (lines 8 and 9), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(213) Schedule 1, item 132, page 75 (lines 12 to 15), omit the item, substitute:

132 Section 321B (note at the end of the definition of disclosure entity )

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note: Sections 305A and 305B require returns relating to gifts to candidates, political parties and political campaigners.

(214) Schedule 1, page 75 (after line 15), after item 132, insert:

132A Section 321B (definition of relevant town or city )

Repeal the definition, substitute:

relevant town or city of an entity or natural person (the authoriser) that authorised the communication of electoral matter means:

(a) if the authoriser has a principal office—the town or city in which the office is located; or

(b) if the authoriser does not have a principal office, but does have premises from which the authoriser operates—the town or city in which the premises are located; or

(c) otherwise—the town or city in which:

(i) the authoriser lives; or

(ii) if the authoriser is an entity—the natural person who was responsible for giving effect to the authorisation lives.

132B After paragraph 321D ( 3 ) (a)

Insert:

(aa) if the matter forms part of any other promotional item (such as a balloon, pen, mug, tote bag or marquee, but not a sticker or fridge magnet) and contains only the name, logo or other identifying feature of the notifying entity; or

132C At the end of subsection 321D ( 4 )

Add:

; or (i) a letter or card that contains the name and address of the notifying entity.

132D Subsection 321D ( 5 ) (table items 4 and 8)

Omit "the town or city in which the person lives", substitute "the relevant town or city of the person".

(215) Schedule 1, item 138, page 76 (before line 3), before subsection 384A(3), insert:

Commissioner may publish enforceable undertakings

(2A) The Electoral Commissioner may publish on the Transparency Register an undertaking given in relation to a civil penalty provision of this Act.

(216) Schedule 1, page 76 (after line 11), after item 138, insert:

138A Section 387 (heading)

Omit "Electoral matters", substitute "Electoral papers".

(217) Schedule 1, item 139, page 76 (line 16), after "person", insert "or entity".

(218) Schedule 1, item 139, page 76 (lines 17 to 22), omit subparagraphs (c)(i) and (ii), substitute:

(i) is or will be required to provide a return under section 305A or 305B of that Act for the financial year in which the time occurs; or

(ii) based on conduct in previous financial years, may be required to provide a return under section 305A or 305B of that Act for the financial year in which the time occurs;

(219) Schedule 1, item 139, page 76 (lines 23 and 24), omit "political expenditure", substitute "electoral expenditure".

(220) Schedule 1, item 141, page 77 (lines 4 and 5), omit the note, substitute:

Note: Sections 305A and 305B of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 require returns relating to gifts to candidates, political parties and political campaigners.

(221) Schedule 1, item 143, page 77 (line 27) to page 78 (line 23), omit subitems (3) to (6), substitute:

Gifts and loans

(3) Division 3A, and the amendments of Division 4 (except section 305B), of Part XX of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as inserted or made by this Part, apply in relation to gifts and loans made after the commencement of this item.

Annual returns

(4) The amendments of section 305B, and Division 5A of Part XX, of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 apply in relation to the financial year in which this item commences and later financial years.

(5) If the commencement of this item occurs on a day other than 1 July, the amendments of section 305B, and Division 5A of Part XX, of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 apply in relation to the financial year in which that commencement occurs as if:

(a) the following obligations applied only from that commencement:

(i) the obligation to disclose gifts to political campaigners under section 305B of that Act;

(ii) the obligation to disclose discretionary benefits under paragraphs 314AB(2)(b) and 314AEA(1)(d) of that Act;

(iii) the obligation in paragraph 314AEA(2)(b) of that Act to confirm compliance with section 302E of that Act; and

(b) a reference in section 314AEB or 314AEC of that Act to electoral expenditure incurred or authorised by a person or entity, for the period beginning on 1 July in that financial year and ending immediately before that commencement, were a reference to expenditure covered by section 314AEB of that Act incurred or authorised by the person or entity during that period.

Note: For the application of the definition of third party in subsection 287(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, see subitem 13(2) of this Schedule.

(222) Schedule 1, item 143, page 79 (lines 9 to 12), omit subitem (11), substitute:

Requirement to publish determinations, notices and returns

(10A) Section 320 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as inserted by this Part, applies from the time the Transparency Register first becomes available to the public under section 287Q of that Act, in relation to determinations made, notices given or returns provided after the commencement of this item.

(10B) The Electoral Commissioner may include on the Transparency Register any claim or return that was previously kept at the Electoral Commission's principal office in Canberra under section 320 of that Act before the repeal of that section by this Part.

(10C) Despite the repeal of section 320 of that Act, that section continues to apply, after the commencement of this item, in relation to claims or returns previously kept at the Electoral Commission's principal office in Canberra under that section that are not included on the Transparency Register under subitem (10B).

Indexation

(11) Section 321 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as amended by this Part, applies from 1 January 2019.

(12) Section 321A of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, as amended by this Part, applies from 1 July 2019.

Authorisation of certain electoral matter

(13) The amendments of section 321D of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 made by this Part apply in relation to any communications made after the commencement of this item.

Amnesty

(14) No action, suit or proceeding lies against any person for failing to comply with section 314AEB or 314AEC of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 in relation to any financial year that ends before the commencement of this item.

Note: Section 314AEB dealt with annual returns relating to political expenditure. Section 314AEC dealt with annual returns relating to gifts received for political expenditure.

We also oppose schedule 1 in the following terms:

(4) Schedule 1, item 2, page 3 (lines 11 to 21), to be opposed.

(37) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (line 24) to page 12 (line 23), section 287G to be opposed.

(129) Schedule 1, item 33, page 46 (line 11) to page 49 (line 5), Subdivision C to be opposed.

(131) Schedule 1, item 33, page 49 (lines 8 to 32), sections 302M and 302N to be opposed.

(140) Schedule 1, item 40, page 52 (lines 15 to 28), to be opposed.

(159) Schedule 1, items 75 and 76, page 59 (lines 3 to 9), to be opposed.

(180) Schedule 1, item 87, page 62 (line 31) to page 64 (line 11), section 314ABA to be opposed.

I will go through them in turn. The government proposes to move amendments in response to public feedback and recommendations from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. We have agreed to address all of the committee's recommendations made in relation to amendments to the bill. This includes recommendations to sensibly adjust the complaints burden for political actors, including relevant charities. We have reduced red tape, simplified compliance arrangements and made penalties more proportionate to the size of any breaches while ensuring that the measures reducing regulatory burdens do not compromise the bill's ability to protect our national sovereignty. Importantly, these amendments clarify that spending solely on issue advocacy is not treated as electoral expenditure when that spending is not aimed at influencing voting in a federal location. The amendments also clarify the overlap of state and Commonwealth disclosure regimes, an issue that has arisen in recent state based litigation.

These amendments ensure that federal law regulates federal elections, including political donations towards federal elections, and state and territory laws regulate donations for elections within their jurisdictions, namely state and local government elections. This week, we also have agreed to a further change, following discussion with the opposition, to make clear that communication that expressly promotes or opposes a member or senator is presumed to be a regulated electoral matter only where the matter relates to a federal election. In other words, criticism of a federal member in relation to their views on a state issue should not be presumed to be a federal electoral matter.

The government has always been open to recommendations on how our bill could be further improved and we have appreciated, as I have indicated in my summing-up speech, the constructive work by the members of JSCEM to help us design a foreign donations ban that is effective and fair. The additional amendments on sheet UV100 simply add two explanatory notes to add additional clarity about circumstances where our amended bill will not interfere with state laws regulating state locations or local government elections.

The government has listened to JSCEM concerns about particular scenarios where additional clarity is desirable. While the government's other amendments already address JSCEM's general concerns, the addition of these two explanatory notes also deal with a specific integrity risk that has been a point of concern. The notes include an example to make clear that silence about the purpose of a donation does not prevent the application of state law where a donation is ultimately used for a state purpose. Under section 15AD of the Acts Interpretation Act, an example like this has the effect of extending the operation of the relevant provision that it illustrates. Those notes recognise that a recipient may identify the true purpose of a gift at any time up until the time the money is spent. These notes explain that deciding to use a particular donation to pay a particular election expense will be enough to make an amount subject to the electoral laws of the relevant jurisdiction. These notes give a very strong level of assurance about where federal law starts and stops and where state law starts and stops.

In relation to some of the other amendments, I have moved government amendments which delete clauses from the bill to streamline obligations and reduce the regulatory burden. The government has already publicly explained in considerable detail where it is making changes to simplify the bill and this information has been released publicly through the website of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. I commend the government's amendments to the Senate.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I stated in my speech during the second reading debate, the opposition will be supporting this set of government amendments. These amendments are in direct response to the work undertaken by the opposition to fix the government's legislation.

Again, I want to highlight the work of members of JSCEM Mr Andrew Giles, Mr Milton Dick and Senators Ketter and Brown for their ongoing work in this area. I would also like to commend the work of Dr Andrew Leigh MP and all those charities and not-for-profits which placed their trust in Labor to successfully negotiate an outcome.

I also want to speak specifically to the government's amendments dealing with the Commonwealth and state law. There has been continuing fearmongering by the Greens today in order to justify—

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Fearmongering!

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, that's right—continuing fearmongering in order to justify their opposition to a ban on foreign donations. It was Labor who negotiated this outcome to ensure that state law is protected, as the minister just indicated. Labor was incredibly concerned to hear that the Commonwealth law could be used under any circumstances to override or avoid state disclosure regimes and electoral regulation.

The opposition believes in the right of state jurisdictions to determine their own electoral regulations and we requested that the government close this loophole immediately. Labor has sought constant assurances that state provisions will not be undermined by this bill. Provided this amendment is successful, that assurance and clarity has been provided. As we have stated throughout this process, Labor is committed to reviewing the operation of this legislation and will reserve the right to review the act and its application at a later date. Labor will not accept Commonwealth legislation being exploited by any party or political actor to avoid their obligation in state jurisdictions. I'd like to thank all of my colleagues in Queensland, in particular, for working constructively to ensure that state law is protected.

Meanwhile, the Greens have never engaged in the process of reviewing this legislation and they've never sought the views of the opposition. At least former Senator Rhiannon would engage constructively in policy rather than merely grandstanding.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move amendment (1) on sheet 8547:

Amendment (3), item 1E, at the end of subsection 4AA(5), add:

; or (g) is or would be made for a charitable purpose.

As I outlined earlier, whilst we acknowledge that this bill has been softened considerably in its impact on the not-for-profit and charitable sector, we are still concerned about the sheer weight of regulation that has now been placed, disproportionately, on that sector by this bill and by five years of attacks by this government on that sector. This amendment seeks to put beyond doubt that any activities conducted by the not-for-profit and charitable sector in furtherance of their charitable purposes are not then required to comply with this new barrage of regulations. So this is an amendment that seeks to ensure that charities are able to continue their legitimate activities in a way that isn't being muzzled by this government, which can't take criticism.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will oppose this amendment. Where charities spend significant amounts of money to influence the outcome of an election they are already subject to disclosure requirements in the Electoral Act. This is necessary to protect the integrity of the electoral process and will continue to be the case.

The Greens are not correct when they claim that the Charities Act already prevents charities from engaging in partisan political activities. The Charities Act prohibits registered charities from having an overall purpose of promoting or opposing a political party or candidate for political office. However, this does not prevent registered charities from undertaking an activity of promoting or opposing a political party or candidate in pursuit of their broader charitable aim. For example, a charity focused on reducing homelessness might lawfully oppose a candidate seeking to eliminate public housing, to use an extreme example to demonstrate the point.

In the 2015-16 financial year, which included the last election campaign, third-party campaign groups spent almost $40 million on election advertising, polling and campaigning and, indeed, issuing how-to-vote cards. It is clear that elections are no longer just fought between political parties and candidates, and it is appropriate that all participants who choose to make significant amounts of political expenditure are subject to consistent transparency, disclosure and reporting requirements that apply to all other relevant political actors.

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters considered evidence, including photographs in social media, showing charities and not-for-profits opposing the election of some candidates and promoting the election of other candidates. New political actors do not field candidates from their own ranks or seek to form government, but they actively seek to influence who gets elected and can sway the outcomes of elections. While this is a positive indication of the strength of Australian civil society and civic engagement in our democracy, it is important that these actors be subject to appropriate transparency and accountability rules when their election spending is significant.

I would make the general point, which I have made on the public record on many occasions, that a blanket exemption of charities from, for example, the proposed ban in this bill on foreign political donations would make that ban entirely ineffective, because it would create a massive loophole and a massive incentive for those foreign actors intent on influencing the outcome of elections here in Australia to channel their donations through relevant charitable organisations.

We have considered the views, assessment and recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, and we believe that we have ended up with an appropriate balance. Of course, issue advocacy is important and will not be affected through this bill, but, where there is significant expenditure to a relevant level on political campaigns, of course the same or similar transparency, disclosure and reporting requirements should apply and the same ban on foreign political donations should apply.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition will be opposing the amendment moved by the Australian Greens. Labor has worked with the charities and not-for-profits for almost a year, guaranteeing that the bill before the Senate, the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2017, protects public policy advocacy. Labor has approached this debate and the year of negotiations that has preceded it with careful consideration of why the Commonwealth Electoral Act exists and the important role it plays in ensuring any organisation that seeks to influence an election meets the expectations of the Australian public, especially relating to transparency. In advocating for the charities and the not-for-profits, Labor has ensured that the very definition of 'electoral matter' is sensibly defined. Our changes, moved today by the government, have ensured that those who should not bear the burden of political actors do not and that those who seek to influence elections are regulated appropriately.

Labor has always opposed seeking blanket exemptions in the Commonwealth Electoral Act, and the reason is clear: blanket exemptions, regardless of their intent, create loopholes in our law. Any organisation seeking to deliberately influence an election, insofar as it is still captured by the narrow definition negotiated by Labor, should comply with those transparency measures outlined in the revised bill and the ban on using foreign money. We cannot support an exemption where those seeking to deliberately influence an election can hide behind an unintentional loophole of charitable purpose. That is not good government, not good policy and not good for our charities.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, I would like to ask a question. You referred to foreign political donations. What evidence do you have of this?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There has obviously been a level of public debate and public reporting here in Australia over the last two years in relation to these matters. As I've indicated in my summing-up speech and also in introducing the amendments, Australia is actually one of very few Western democracies in which foreign donors can still influence domestic elections. In the United States, for example, if you are foreigner, you are not allowed to donate towards a presidential or congressional election.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You're not allowed to run, either.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You're not allowed to run for president, that's right. That counts the two of us out, Senator Farrell. But Australia is one of the few Western democracies in which foreign donors can still influence domestic elections. Senator Hanson would remember that the government announced some time ago now, I think this time last year, a package of reforms, of which this is a component, to protect Australia from undue foreign interference in our internal democratic processes.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, if you are going to protect the electoral process and our democracy in Australia from foreign investment in or donations to political parties, how can you assure that, if you have a foreign company, that foreign company will not divest their moneys through their Australian subsidiary companies here?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government, based on advice not just from our own officials but also from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, has made the ban on foreign political donations as effective as possible considering the constraints that we face under our Constitution. Under our Constitution we are not able to ban donations from Australian residents or from Australian companies, so this ban on foreign political donations has been structured to be as effective as possible, as mindful of the limitations in terms of our authority to legislate to that effect under our Constitution.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, under the Electoral Act you would be changing the electoral funding so it is actually going to be on receipts—is that correct? So $10,000 if you receive four per cent of the vote, and you will automatically receive $10,000 if your electoral funding is more than that? In that case, for anything over $10,000, is it that all candidates, all political parties, must submit their receipts to the Electoral Commission for electoral funding?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hanson for that question. Public funding entitlements have not changed under this bill. Public funding will continue to be payable in relation to candidates that receive at least four per cent of formal first preference votes and will be calculated in the same way. What has changed is the process. To assist less well financed candidates and to minimise red tape, the first $10,000 of funding will continue to be paid automatically shortly after polling day. A claim setting out electoral expenditure will need to be submitted for more than the first $10,000 to be paid. The amount of public election funding paid will be capped at the amount of electoral expenditure specified in the claim. Claimants must keep records of claimed electoral expenditure for five years after polling day. Records are likely to be receipts and invoices in most instances. In examining claims, the Australian Electoral Commission will be checking that claimed electoral expenditure is accurate and unique. In other words, no double-dipping by claiming the same expense in different claims, for example for different states, or claiming fictional expenditure. Like the way the tax office checks for fraud in claimed tax credits, the Australian Electoral Commission will have flexibility in determining what they need to do to conduct this check at any particular time. This flexibility allows them to minimise red tape. For example, if the Australian Electoral Commission determines there is a high risk that claims will be inaccurate, they might require that all receipts are submitted with the claim. Or they might decide to randomly select claims for audit and ask to see selected claimants' receipts. If they determine there is a low risk of fraudulent claims at a particular time or for a particular type of claimant, they might not ask to see proof of electoral expenditure at all. As the Senate is well aware, the Australian Electoral Commission of course is an independent statutory organisation which acts in an entirely non-partisan fashion.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In your amendment 112, item 33, at the end of subsection 302CA(3), you've got:

… a gift recipient may identify the electoral process for which a gift is to be used at any time prior to using that gift.

There is no specification in this as to what the limit or the cost of the gift is. It's just reference to 'a gift'. What is the gift—in relation to what cost?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The relevant limits are of course specified in other parts of the bill and in the amendments, but this is a highly technical question. Given that this will require my advisers to review and reference a number of different parts of the bill, I suggest that we deal with some other matters and I will get back to the chamber at the earliest opportunity.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment moved by Senator Waters on sheet 8547 to government amendment (3) be agreed to.

Question negatived.

The TEMPORARY CHAIR: The question now is that the government amendments, as amended, be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

The TEMPORARY CHAIR: Because some of the items are opposed, the question now is that item 2, section 287G in item 11, subdivision C and sections 302M and 302N in item 33, items 40, 75 and 76 and section 314ABA in item 87 of schedule 1 stand as printed.

Question negatived.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to Senator Hanson's question, section 302CA applies to all gifts, irrespective of value.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move Australian Greens amendments (1) to (4) on sheet 8546 revised together:

(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table items 2 and 3), omit the table items, substitute:

(2) Schedule 1, page 3 (before line 7), before item 1, insert:

1AA At the end of Part I

Add:

4E Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws

This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a law of a State or Territory that is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.

(3) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 12), omit "$13,500", substitute "$1,000".

(4) Schedule 1, items 5 and 6, page 4 (lines 16 to 21), omit the items, substitute:

5 Subsection 287(1) (definition of gift )

Repeal the definition, substitute:

gift means any disposition of property made by a person to another person, being a disposition made without consideration in money or money's worth or with inadequate consideration, and includes:

(a) the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or for inadequate consideration; and

(b) an annual subscription paid to a political party, to a State branch of a political party or to a division of a State branch of a political party by a person in respect of the person's membership of the party, branch or division; and

(c) a payment in respect of attendance at a fundraiser or similar event held by, or for the benefit of, a political entity;

but does not include:

(d) a payment under Division 3; or

(e) any visit, experience or activity provided for the purposes of a political exchange program.

These amendments relate to, firstly, the commencement date of these new laws. Importantly, amendment (2) goes to whether or not the federal government can override state donation rules. Senator Farrell has received advice that is in conflict with the advice that I've received, and I've formed my own view on the effect of the amendments. My understanding is that, as the bill is currently drafted, it will still enable property developers to avoid the donations ban that would otherwise apply in Queensland. My understanding is that the Queensland laws will now need to be amended to require that donations be placed into a separate bank account. If that amendment goes through the Queensland parliament—presumably it will—we won't have a problem. But until such time as that amendment occurs, this bill enables the developer donation ban to be circumvented.

I take objection to the description of my legal view of that as being grandstanding. It's quite the contrary. We're actually trying to clean up politics here. We're trying to get big money out of politics and we're trying to make sure that the rules that were brought in in Queensland by your counterpart, Senator O'Farrell, are effective. So we have moved this amendment in—

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

What is your point of order, Senator Farrell?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order: Senator Waters should call me by my correct name, which is Senator Farrell, not Senator O'Farrell.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sorry. It was my mistake, Senator Farrell. I do apologise. It was not deliberate. I apologise. So that was amendment (2). I'll just move to briefly outline amendment (3). We are seeking here to lower the disclosure threshold for donations to $1,000. We think that enables far more public scrutiny of what money is being received by whom and, in particular, by which political parties.

Amendment (4) goes to the fact that, at the moment, membership fees aren't considered donations and moneys provided to political parties to attend fundraising events are also not considered donations. There is so much dark money flowing around, going into the coffers of the larger political parties, that is not properly accounted for and that is not able to be scrutinised by the public. This amendment, amendment (4), would say that those contributions are to be considered a donation and therefore should be subject to the other rules that donations are subject to; namely, the disclosure threshold—and, if our amendment is successful—a cap on the amount. I moved those four amendments, as listed earlier.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting any of the Greens amendments. The first Greens amendment would change the commencement date to push back commencement until after the next election, rather than allowing a ban on foreign political donations to come into effect from proclamation, which would be well and truly in time, before the next election, to ensure we can prevent inappropriate foreign political interference in our next federal election. I don't quite know why the Greens would want to help facilitate continued foreign political interference in our Australian federal election next year. I don't understand the intent behind this amendment, to be honest. It would be bad policy to deliberately delay the start of a foreign political donations ban until after the next election, given the increased evidence around the world of the risk of foreign interference in elections. The parliament needs to act in a timely way to prevent future risks to our democracy.

In relation to amendment (2) Senator Waters is entirely incorrect—Senator Waters is not correct—in her assertion that Queensland laws would need amendment to avoid conflict with federal law. I can only assume that Senator Waters hasn't sufficiently reviewed government amendments that were passed through this chamber a few minutes ago. The government's amendments make it clear that the mere decision to spend a donation on a state electoral expense will invoke state law. That's a very important point. The mere decision to spend a political donation on a state electoral expense will invoke state law.

The government's intent here has been very clear from the start. We have worked successfully with the opposition to refine the way that we are approaching this. Our intent is to ensure that there is clarity, that federal laws regulate federal elections and that state laws regulate elections under state jurisdictions; principally state and local government elections. We also believe it's very important there is clarity for all of the impacted stakeholders who have to comply with various regulatory regimes in terms of where the boundary is between federal law and the regulation of federal elections and state law and the regulation of elections under state jurisdiction.

Government amendments comprehensively dealt with the Commonwealth and state law interactions. This amendment would reverse those changes. If the government's amendments were not made, there would be ambiguity for regulated entities and, in light of recent court decisions, overlap between various state, territory and Commonwealth laws on political donations. Any ambiguity and overlap would increase the regulatory compliance burden for affected entities, with multiple laws in different jurisdictions applying to the same financial transaction. On that basis we would urge the Senate not to support this Greens amendment.

In relation to the disclosure threshold, this amendment would reduce the disclosure threshold from $13,800 to $1,000. This amendment is very badly drafted, because it not only impacts donors but also has the consequence of reclassifying numerous very small organisations as third-party campaigners if they spend more than $1,000 in a year on electoral expenses. The Greens would tie up the sectors that they supposedly support in massive additional red tape; they would choke the charitable sector in massive additional red tape. This change alone would, as I say, drag numerous not-for-profit and charitable organisations under the new reporting rules for third parties. This would sweep up tiny groups like neighbourhood associations, RSL branches, footy clubs and other tiny players who comment favourably or adversely on a federal politician or federal party. This extreme change in this third amendment, in terms of expanding the reporting net, has not been discussed, as I understand it, with the charitable or non-profit sector, and, unlike other major amendments, was not considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. You see, we, the government, have exposed ourselves to proper process; we have exposed ourselves to thorough, constructive and good-faith engagement with the opposition, and so we have a high level of confidence that there is broad support—perhaps not 100 per cent support—for the balance that we have reached. This third amendment would be an extreme change in the reporting net and, as I say, would actually have a massively negative impact on the charitable and not-for-profit sector, which the Greens assert they are standing up for in this chamber today.

The fourth amendment, redefining gifts, is in our assessment lacking in logic. The amendment would treat the cost of food at a fundraising event as if it were a gift. By contrast, the government's amendments, which are supported by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, have greater logic, because it is only the profit component of an event price that should be treated as a gift.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition will be opposing these amendments by the Australian Greens. Unfortunately, the issues caused by the Greens amendments outweigh any benefit. The Greens amendments seek to place obligations on donors but not on recipients of donations, a clear loophole allowing those receiving donations to flout the law. Most troubling, the Greens amendments seek to delay the commencement of this legislation until after the next federal election, allowing foreign donations to flow into the coffers of political parties for the next poll. Labor has longstanding policy for electoral reform, including lower disclosure and shorter disclosure times. However, the Greens again are seeking to conflate, with a series of poorly drafted changes, the issues that Labor has been negotiating with our trusted charities for close to a year.

The substantive issue here is a foreign donations ban. Labor has sought to ensure that third parties and charities are protected from the government's overreach without creating further issues within the Commonwealth Electoral Act. Labor believes the issues surrounding disclosure require further consideration and consultation with those third parties that we have worked so hard to protect. Labor, as a party of government and as a party who wants the system to work, is committed to addressing these matters constructively and will always do so.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Farrell made a comment then about stopping moneys flowing into political parties from foreign donations. Could I have clarification of what evidence he has of that—what political parties and who received the foreign donations?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm not sure if it's customary to have questions of the opposition.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, but you got to your feet.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

But I am happy to answer Senator Hanson's very sensible question. I might add that it is a very sensible question. I certainly don't know every foreign donation—

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just give me one.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, I can give you one.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sam Dastyari.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No—Mrs Zou, for instance. If we take the last state election in South Australia, there was Sally Zou's contribution to the Liberal Party. She originally wrote a cheque for $1 million which she then took a selfie of, and we understood she was going to donate that to the Liberal Party in South Australia. A $1 million donation by a foreign citizen to a state campaign is a very large amount of money. We had every reason to believe that it was correct that she was going to do that, because she had already set up a foundation. I might have the name of this incorrect, but it was something like the Julie Bishop Glorious Foundation. I see Senator Cormann is laughing there. He would know much more about this particular donation. You wanted me to name one. I think there is a number there that you can refer to. I would be happy, Senator Hanson, to go back and try to provide you with as much information as I can get on all of the political donations.

Just so I'm not seen to be partisan, the reality is that the Labor Party has also been receiving donations from these foreign groups, and we will lose those funds from these foreign groups. But I have to point out that our leader six months ago took the very principled stand of saying, 'We will stop accepting those foreign donations.' So, yes, we have in the past, as a political organisation, accepted foreign donations. It has been legal, up until this legislation, for Australian political parties to do that. Bill Shorten took the principled stand that we would no longer receive or accept political donations. You might recall that, in my initial speech on this matter, I called on the government to take that same principled stand today when this legislation passes and not to wait until it passes the lower house.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm very disappointed that my good friend and valued colleague Senator Farrell allowed himself to be provoked into partisanship, but the only thing that I could detect in the garbled first half of his contribution was that he was talking about a donation that never happened. It took him a very long time to get to the proposition that there was some suggestion of a donation that might happen but never happened. He didn't quite get to that conclusion, but that was the effect of what I heard him say.

Let me give a more coherent answer to the question that Senator Hanson has asked. At present, while details of political donations above the threshold of $13,800 need to be disclosed under the current rules, it is often not possible to ascertain whether a foreign source is involved. Thus it is not possible to ascertain, under the current disclosure rules, how common foreign donations are or what their value is. However, we do know that preventing undue foreign influence and the perception of such undue influence is critical to our democracy. Our amendments will increase the transparency and assurance about the source of donations to help keep foreign donations out of Australian elections.

Media reports increasingly document foreign attempts to influence elections around the world, which is a disturbing development. As I've indicated, Australia is one of the very few Western democracies in which foreign political donations are not as yet prohibited. It is good electoral reform housekeeping for us to catch up with what is already the prevailing law in most other Western democracies. Nobody can actually tell you with precision what has happened in the past, but, given international developments, given what's clearly been a matter of public debate in Australia for some time and given the views and the recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters on what should happen here, this is the best way forward. I hasten to add that it was, of course, the Liberal-National government that put forward this legislation. We put forward this legislation a year ago. It would have been great if we could have passed it more quickly, but we did think it was important to get this right in time for the next election, which is why we engaged in good faith with all relevant stakeholders and the opposition. I was somewhat saddened to see that that level of constructive bipartisanship disappeared for a moment.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I commend the government, the opposition and Labor on their stance against foreign donations; the principal parties now won't take these because of the influence it may have over their political decisions in this place. So I ask this question: what is the difference between receiving foreign donations and receiving donations from organisations, corporations or developers—for instance, in the tobacco industry, as the Greens have said? Will these organisations not have influence over government policy?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I did actually address this earlier. Under the Australian Constitution, Australians—including Australian businesses, Australian organisations and Australian residents—are entitled to participate in our democracy. There's nothing wrong with Australians seeking to influence each other in terms of how they ultimately vote. The ultimate decision is a decision for individual voters who vote in secrecy. That is, of course, the way the process works. What we are very deliberately seeking here is to prevent attempts of foreign interference in our domestic democratic process. In particular, through the ban on foreign political donations, we are seeking to prevent and prohibit influence by foreign donors on our Australian democratic process. In terms of attempting to do what Senator Hanson appears to be suggesting we should consider, which is similar to what the Greens appear to have been suggesting, the best available advice we have is that that would not be constitutionally sustainable.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, you referred to the Constitution. I have it in my hand now. Can you refer me to the section you are talking about in relation to their right under the Constitution?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll refer you to successive decisions of the High Court that have defined the implied freedom of political expression in our Australian democracy for some time. The Constitution, yes, is made up of the document that Senator Hanson has in her hot little hands, but it also, of course, needs to be considered in the context of decisions made by the High Court interpreting our Constitution over a long period of time. There is a consensus view that it would not be possible to prohibit participation, and, in fact, there have been previous cases in relation to relevant legislation where that has been made very clear. The best available advice that we have is that it would not be constitutionally sustainable to completely prohibit any Australian company or Australian citizen from participating in the Australian democratic process, including by making political donations.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister referred to the incomplete story about Mrs Zou and her $1 million cheque, so I just wanted to complete the story. She did subsequently make a donation of $30,000. It wasn't the $1 million that the opposition had been expecting in South Australia.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question before the chair is that amendments (1) to (4) on sheet 8546 revised, moved by Senator Waters, be agreed to.

Question negatived.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I now move Australian Greens amendment (9) on sheet 8546 revised:

  (9) Schedule 1, page 55 (after line 32), after item 64, insert:

   64A After section 305B

Insert:

       305C Real -time disclosure of gifts

     (1) If a person or entity makes a gift to:

     (a) a registered political party; or

     (b) a State branch of a registered political party;

the person or entity must, in accordance with this section, notify the Electoral Commission of the gift.

Note 1: A contravention of this civil penalty provision may be a continuing contravention (see section 93 of the Regulatory Powers Act).

Note 2: A restricted donor is not permitted to make gifts to political entities. See section 302EA.

Note 3: Persons and entities other than restricted donors are not permitted to make gifts that exceed the disclosure threshold to political entities. See section 302EB.

Civil penalty: 60 penalty units.

     (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person or entity who makes a gift to any person or body with the intention of benefiting a particular registered political party or a State branch of a registered political party is taken to have made that gift directly to that party or branch.

     (3) The notification must be made as soon as practicable after the gift is received.

     (4) The notification must set out the following:

     (a) the amount or value of the gift;

     (b) the date on which it was made;

     (c) the name and address of the registered political party or branch.

     (5) The notification must be in the approved form.

     (6) The Electoral Commission must publish the notification on its website, in a readily accessible format, as soon as practicable after receiving the notification.

This is an amendment that would allow and require real-time disclosure of donations made to political parties. I'll move some other amendments that say we think that shouldn't happen for particular vested interests that have a stranglehold on our democratic decision-making process, and I'll move separately another amendment that says we think all donations should be capped at $1,000, because we don't think big money should play a role in decision-making, but this particular amendment relates to real-time disclosure. I will be very interested to see how the chamber votes on this issue because I understand, in fact, that there's some agreement that this is a good idea. Will those parties have the courage to actually vote for it? That is what I am very keen to know.

I want to hearken back to the fact that we've had some by-elections recently. By the time we get to the next general election, the public still won't know who donated to the large political parties at those by-elections, yet we'll be at the next election. So how on earth are people meant to know who is pulling the strings? It's pretty clear that the big donors are pulling the strings, but these parties don't want to tell the public who is donating to them.

So that's why this amendment would give the public the right to know who's paying these folk who are making decisions on behalf of their donors to promote the donors' vested interests and putting the community a distant last. These amendments would give the community a right to know so that, when people cast their vote, they are doing so in full knowledge of the priorities of the people that they might consider voting or not voting for.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this amendment, nor will we support the other amendment that relates to this particular proposition. It's quite strange, in our view, that the Greens propose that the onus of making real-time disclosure should only be on the donor and not on the political parties that benefit and can most efficiently undertake reporting. This amendment is also contrary to a fundamental principle in the bill in that it would create inconsistency between the transparency of donations to parties and that of donations to political campaigners. I leave it to observers and analysts to speculate as to why that would be. The government's view is that organisations which spend over half a million dollars a year on federal election expenditure, including GetUp!, which indeed spent $10 million in the lead-up to the last federal election—let me say that again: $10 million—should be treated on the same basis as political parties and other relevant actors, and the Greens have not made out a convincing case for why such organisations should get special treatment.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The opposition also will not be supporting this amendment. Labor has a clear policy in support of real-time disclosure. We believe that donations over $1,000 should be disclosed and disclosed quickly. Labor has a strong record on transparency in politics, and we approach every issue on the facts before us. As I've stated before, including to members of the crossbench in our discussions on this legislation, real-time disclosure at a federal level requires a significant consultation with the AEC and consideration by those parties who will need to ensure their own compliance. We are committed to achieving this policy, and we will do so with the appropriate consideration should we form government. It's vital that we always approach such issues not just with our values and beliefs but also with the practical view of actually getting it done.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister made reference to GetUp! and the $500,000. What is the government's response to the donations that are made by the unions, which are tax exempt—the millions of dollars that they give to the Labor Party and to other political parties? Is the amount of money they give to the political parties reined in? They are tax exempt—they don't pay any taxes in this country. How do they sit under this legislation?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are longstanding transparency, disclosure and reporting requirements under the Electoral Act, as it stands, that apply to political parties and other relevant political actors, principally associated entities. That is a longstanding arrangement and it is not something that is changed with this bill. What we are doing in this bill is adding a further category—the category of political campaigner—as a new category of political actor that has to comply with the relevant disclosure, transparency and reporting requirements and will be subject to the same ban on foreign political donations. I mentioned the example of GetUp! but, no, I didn't mention $500,000. I mentioned $10 million of expenditure in the 12 months leading up to the 2016 federal election. Off the top of my head, I seem to remember that at various times GetUp! bragged that they had distributed half a million or a million how-to-vote cards—I can't remember, so I'll get it back to you on notice, but half a million or a million seems to ring a bell. I think it was a million how-to-vote cards at 500 polling booths. I'll check it out and get back to you.

The point is that all organisations, including unions, businesses and individuals, have to comply with the requirements in terms of disclosure and reporting that are already in place. The bill in front of us strengthens those requirements in relation to some organisations that currently are not captured. It also ensures that we put in place a ban on foreign political donations, which we believe is widely supported across the chamber.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that Greens amendment (9) on sheet 8546 revised, moved by Senator Waters, be agreed to.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move Greens amendments (5) and (6) on sheet 8546 revised together:

(5) Schedule 1, item 7, page 6 (before line 19), before the definition of senior staff, insert:

restricted donor means:

(a) a person or entity that carries on:

  (i) a property development business; or

  (ii) a mining business; or

  (iii) a business manufacturing tobacco products; or

  (iv) a business manufacturing alcoholic products; or

  (v) a business providing gambling services; or

  (vi) a business providing banking services; or

  (vii) a business manufacturing pharmaceutical products; or

  (viii) a business manufacturing defence products; or

(b) an associate (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of such a person or entity.

(6) Schedule 1, item 33, page 42 (after line 5), after section 302E, insert:

302EA Donations to political entities by restricted donors

(1) A person or entity (the donor) contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the donor is a restricted donor; and

(b) the donor makes a gift to, or for the benefit of, a political entity.

Note: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (2) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Offence

(2) A person or entity commits an offence if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1).

Penalty: 2 years imprisonment or 800 penalty units.

(3) Section 15 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (2).

Civil penalty

(4) A person or entity is liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 800 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift at the time the gift is made—3 times that amount or value.

(5) Subsection (4) applies:

(a) whether or not the conduct constituting the contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia; and

(b) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia.

I will outline for the chamber the effect of these amendments. We have already seen how enormous the influence of big corporates is over this chamber, and the public are absolutely sick of the vested interests of donors getting put ahead of the interests of the community. This amendment would seek to ban donations from eight of the most influential and self-interested industries that so far have had a stranglehold over this parliament. This amendment would completely ban donations from the property development industry, mining, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, the big banks, defence and big pharma. The Australian people have the right to expect that decisions are made in their interests and not in the interests of those big corporations. There have previously been some comments about the questionable constitutionality of these amendments. I would simply direct anyone interested in that to the McCloy case. We are perfectly able to have those restrictions; it is simply a question of whether or not the big parties want their money to dry up. I am not expecting support for this amendment, because we know that both of the big parties have taken $100 million in donations from the big corporates in the last six years, but we live in hope.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Let me firstly agree with something that Senator Waters has said: the Australian people are absolutely entitled to expect that decisions be made in their interest. Do you know who judges to what extent is we have made decisions in their interest? The judge of that is the Australian people at every election. That is the process. Senator Waters is essentially implying that the Australian people are too stupid to form their judgements in relation to how individual candidates or relevant parties are performing. This is clearly just part of the democratic discourse.

If there is a level of concern about policies, and a view by the Greens about what influences certain policies, then under our democratic system you are entitled to express that view and to inform the Australian people. The Australian people might believe you and then they will vote for you if they think that it is a really terrible thing that there is a particular policy that supports the mining industry, the farming sector or access to pharmaceutical products. If people share your view that that is a bad thing, they'll vote for you; if they believe that policies that support the mining sector, the agricultural sector, the education sector and access to pharmaceutical products for patients across Australia are good things then they will support relevant candidates and parties who promote those particular policy agendas. That is the way democracy works: if you have a concern, you point out your concern and seek to persuade the Australian people of your point of view. Ultimately the Australian people are the judge.

I also agree with Senator Waters—so there are two agreements in relation to one amendment; I am sure the senator is very surprised by that—that the Senate will be opposing this amendment, because the Greens are proposing an entirely arbitrary ban on eight different specific categories of businesses from giving donations. There are clear questions of constitutionality. Senator Waters dismisses this. Clearly Senator Waters doesn't believe in freedom of political communication, but some of us do believe in freedom of political communication.

A level of internal logic and consistency is also lacking. For example, under the Greens amendment, businesses manufacturing pharmaceuticals would be banned, but not those involved in distribution or sale of such products. If you are involved in the manufacture of tobacco you are banned, but if you are involved in the distribution of tobacco you are fine. Even more unusually, the proposed ban will put only donors at risk of criminal offences while keeping it lawful for a recipient to accept such a gift. That doesn't sound very internally consistent.

The more fundamental point is that, under our Constitution, under our principles, under the constitutional principle of implied political freedom of communication, the best advice that we have is that this would not be constitutionally sustainable. In any event, we have great confidence that the Australian people voting at elections are very capable of making judgements on what they think is right and wrong.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One Nation will be opposing this amendment put up by the Greens to state a case that donations shouldn't come from different organisations. I can understand what they are saying, but then again I find it very hypocritical because the Greens are quite happy to take their donations from environmental groups and organisations that are quite happy to see mining, which provides jobs in Australia, shut down. It actually brings in resources and royalties to our nation—a lot of money. And they are quite happy to shut down the fishing industry, with lost jobs again. And, of course, with their native vegetation management acts they are actually destroying Queensland's farming sector. In that case, they are quite happy to take their political donations—

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have a point of order, Mr Temporary Chair. I would just like some clarification from Senator Hanson. It seems that she's misled the chamber. I am not aware of any donation given by an environmental organisation to my party—

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is no point of order.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So, therefore, we won't be supporting their amendment with regard to political donations.

The CHAIR: The question is that amendments (5) and (6) on sheet 8546, by leave moved together by Senator Waters, be agreed to.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will move Australian Greens amendment (7) on sheet 8546 revised. But, before I do that, I flag that I will withdraw amendment (8) on sheet 8546. Coming to amendment (7), there has been a lot of talk here, particularly in relation to the last amendments, where only the Greens and a couple of our other colleagues voted to oppose donations from large corporate vested interests. Some of the earlier criticism was, 'You're singling out these people unfairly.' Folks, now is your chance! This amendment would say that all donations will be capped at $1,000 per year. We don't care who you are—absolutely everyone, whether you're an individual, a union or a business: no more donations of more than $1,000 a year. We genuinely want to clean up politics, and this is how you do it.

There is a small step forward in this bill that restricts some foreign donations. We think you can drive a truck through the loopholes. We want to fix those loopholes with an amendment just like this. Let's get big money out of politics. Let's put people back into the heart of decision-making. Now is your chance to show whether you actually want to fix this problem or whether you just want to look like you're doing something in the hope that this issue goes away. The community wants something done about this. There is widespread support for this amendment. Getting big money out of politics is the single most common issue raised with me as I move around the state and the country.

Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Really?

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, really. Maybe you should do some more moving or perhaps do some more listening. This is the biggest issue that the community has. They feel disenfranchised by politics, they feel unheard and they feel like the parliament has been sold to the highest bidder. Well, it has. This is our chance to get our democracy back. The Greens are very proud to move this amendment to restrict donations to no more than $1,000 per year. I'm very interested to see how people vote. I hereby move Greens amendment (7) on sheet 8546 revised:

(7) Schedule 1, item 33, page 42 (before line 6), before section 302F, insert:

302EB Donations to political entities by donors other than restricted donors

(1) A person or entity (the donor) contravenes this subsection if:

(a) the donor is not a restricted donor; and

(b) the donor makes, in a financial year, gifts totalling more than the disclosure threshold to, or for the benefit of, a political entity.

Note: The physical elements of an offence against subsection (2) are set out in this subsection (see section 302R).

Offence

(2) A person or entity commits an offence if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1).

Penalty: 2 years imprisonment or 800 penalty units.

(3) Section 15 of the Criminal Code (extended geographical jurisdiction—category D) applies to an offence against subsection (2).

Civil penalty

(4) A person or entity is liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty:

The higher of the following:

(a) 800 penalty units;

(b) if there is sufficient evidence for the court to determine the amount or value, or an estimate of the amount or value, of the gift at the time the gift is made—3 times that amount or value.

(5) Subsection (4) applies:

(a) whether or not the conduct constituting the contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia; and

(b) whether or not a result of the conduct constituting the alleged contravention of subsection (1) occurs in Australia.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The committee has already voted on the substance of the issue that Senator Waters is raising. Greens amendment (7) on sheet 8546 revised is in fact redundant, because it is a consequential amendment in relation to some previous amendments that the committee has already voted to reject. So it should, in fact, have been withdrawn because it can't actually have the effect that Senator Waters is advising the chamber it would have.

Even if this amendment were to apply in the context of the government's bill, it also introduces imprisonment for gifting over the disclosure threshold, which is explicitly contrary to what the cross-party Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, which considered these matters carefully, recommended. So the Greens are proposing to introduce imprisonment offences. But, as I've indicated, this amendment is, in fact, redundant because it is consequential to some amendments that have already been rejected by the committee.

This amendment also lets political campaigners off the hook. Again, I'm not quite sure why the Greens political party takes the view that political campaigners spending substantial amounts of money on political campaigns in the lead-up to elections, seeking to influence election outcomes, should not be subject to the same disclosure, transparency and reporting requirements and the same ban on foreign political donations as other political actors, including political parties. The government's view is that they should apply on the same basis or a similar basis to all those actors.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is exactly the opposite of the point that you just made in relation to my earlier amendment about the disclosure threshold, so it is pretty clear that you're trying to find any pretext whatsoever to not support this. It is not a consequential amendment. I have renumbered it. It is a standalone amendment, and I stand by everything I've said. Your vote will be very telling.

The CHAIR: The question is that amendment (7) on sheet 8546, as moved by Senator Waters, be agreed to.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just want to make a few remarks to reflect on the historic reform to our electoral system that is about to pass the Senate and again thank the opposition for the constructive approach that they have taken to this bill. This bill, once it is legislated, will effect a ban on foreign political donations to further strengthen the integrity of our electoral system. It will ensure that all relevant political actors have to comply with the same or similar transparency of disclosure and reporting requirements. Indeed, it will also ensure that there's clarity around the fact that—

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, the time allotted for consideration of this bill has expired. The question now is that the amendment on sheet 8570, circulated by the Australian Conservatives, be agreed to.

Australian Conservatives' circulated amendment—

(1) Schedule 1, page 51 (after line 31), after item 35, insert:

35A After section 303

  Insert:

303A Live disclosure of gifts

  (1) This section applies if a political entity or political campaigner is required under this Division, at any time, to make a disclosure in relation to a gift received by the entity or campaigner, as the case may be.

  (2) Within 14 days of receiving the gift, the recipient must:

  (a) publish on its website; and

  (b) disclose to the Electoral Commission, in the approved form;

the following information:

  (c) the amount or value of the gift;

  (d) the identity of the person or entity who made the gift.

Question negatived.

The CHAIR: The question now is that the amendment on sheet 8578 revised, circulated by Centre Alliance, be agreed to.

Centre Alliance's circulated amendment—

(1) Schedule 1, page 53 (before line 11), before item 46, insert:

45AA After section 304

  Insert:

304A Monthly disclosure of gifts and loans

Gifts

  (1) If, in a calendar month, a political entity or a political campaigner receives one or more gifts, the recipient must notify the Electoral Commission, in the approved form, of the total value of those gifts within 10 days of the end of the calendar month.

  (2) If, in a calendar month, a political entity or a political campaigner receives a gift whose value exceeds the disclosure threshold, the recipient must notify the Electoral Commission, in the approved form, of the following within 10 days of the end of the calendar month:

  (a) the value of the gift;

  (b) the name and address of the person who made the gift.

Loans

  (3) If, in a calendar month, a political entity or a political campaigner receives one or more loans, the recipient must notify the Electoral Commission, in the approved form, of the total amount of those loans within 10 days of the end of the calendar month.

  (4) If, in a calendar month, a political entity or a political campaigner receives a loan the amount of which exceeds the disclosure threshold, the recipient must notify the Electoral Commission, in the approved form, of the following within 10 days of the end of the calendar month:

  (a) the amount of the loan;

  (b) the name and address of the person who made the loan.

Question negatived.

The CHAIR: The question now is that the amendments on sheet 8582, circulated by Pauline Hanson's One Nation, be agreed to.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation's circulated amendments—

(1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add:

(2) Page 79 (after line 18), at the end of the Bill, add:

Schedule 2—Further amendments

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

1 Paragraph 126(2)(d)

  Repeal the paragraph.

2 Subsection 133(2)

  Repeal the subsection.

3 Part XX (heading)

  Repeal the heading, substitute:

Part XX—Election financial disclosure

4 Division 3 of Part XX

  Repeal the Division.

Question negatived.

The CHAIR: The question now is that the bill, as amended, be agreed to.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendments; report adopted.