Property developers can again make political donations for Queensland state elections after the passing of laws the State Government says will return “fairness, transparency and integrity” to the system.
Under the new laws, clear authorisation is required for election materials 12 months before polling day.
Criminals serving a sentence of imprisonment or detention for one year or more will no longer be eligible to vote in state or local government elections, or referendums.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the reforms delivered on an election commitment to a level the playing field for political donations.
From now on trade unions and property developers can make donations for state election campaigns.
Property developers were banned from making donations by the previous Labor government.
“Labor’s ban on property developer donations at a state level was always at odds with Recommendation 20 of the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Operation Belcarra Report, which focused on local government elections,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Importantly, the ban on property developers donating to local government election campaigns remains in place, with increased penalties for breaches to strengthen the local council donation ban.”
The new laws annualise political donation cap periods in alignment with New South Wales and the Commonwealth.
Loans from regulated lenders and reputable financial institutions for electoral expenditure are now permitted.
