Published in The Age 10 Aug
Detoxing donations to candidates and parties is a necessary but not sufficient reform to campaign finance (Comment, August 9). It is the extraordinary spending on political advertising using traditional and social media that drives fund-raising with its corrupting potential.
Modest caps on spending would immediately relieve senior politicians of the distasteful role of soliciting large donations from businesses that benefit from government policies, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Special Minister of State Don Farrell should persist in developing a regime including spending caps that allow the emergence of independents and new parties, balanced with recognition of the legitimate roles played by established parties.
Winning the support of a majority of members of each House of Parliament for such reforms will be a test of Minister Farrell’s considerable negotiating skills.
Adjunct Professor Ken Coghill