Changes to election laws, passed in Federal Parliament this week, will weaken the ability of charities to advocate in the lead-up to Federal elections, according to the Climate Council.
CEO Amanda McKenzie said the changes, backed by both major parties, gave the Labor and Liberal/National parties an extra $80 million of taxpayer money per election to fund their political campaigns, but made it harder for charities, independents, and minor parties to have their say.
Ms McKenzie said the new law banned charities from using general donations on public communications about “electoral matters”, which included commentary on issues like climate change, during an election campaign.
“This law kneecaps charities from doing their essential work during elections. By silencing independent voices, the Labor and Liberal parties are making sure Australians only hear from politicians on issues like climate change.”
She said it was not just charities being silenced, with the rules also disadvantaging independents.
“The big parties will still be able to pull in millions through their state branches, effectively sidestepping new donation limits.
“The new law does nothing to crack down on the real threat to democracy: the influence of vested interests and big corporate donors. Instead, it targets the very organisations working in the public interest while the Minerals Council, Business Council and unions get special exemptions.”
