Victorian politics still exposed to ‘dark money’ and foreign donations as MPs struggle to agree on urgent reforms
Summary
Victoria’s political parties have not agreed on new rules to limit political donations after the state’s donation laws were struck down by the high court. This leaves Victoria without donation caps or disclosure rules just months before an election, creating concerns about unlimited "dark money" and foreign donations influencing politics.Key Facts
- Victoria’s previous donation limit was $4,970 per person or group for a candidate.
- The high court found the entire donation law unconstitutional, stopping enforcement.
- Without donation laws, large and foreign donations can influence Victorian elections.
- The government wants to quickly restore donation caps and disclosure rules but parties disagree on details.
- Main disagreements include the size of donation caps, treatment of political party entities, and whether new laws should apply to past donations.
- Labor, Liberal, and Greens parties agree reform is needed but have not reached an agreement.
- Crossbench MPs are now being consulted due to delays in passing new laws.
- Concerns exist about national security risks from foreign donations with no current state ban.
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