Greens secure donations ban

See: John's speech on the bill here:

'Historic donations bill gets the go ahead,' Sydney Morning Herald, 16 February 

'Political donations shake up passes NSW Parliament', ABC Online, 16 February  

'Donation reforms pass NSW parliament', Herald Sun, 15 February  

Greens NSW donations spokesperson John Kaye said: "Just as we supported Labor's 2010 legislation that capped spending and donations and banned tobacco, alcohol and gambling businesses from contributing to political parties, we also voted for the Coalition's bill.

"Although both pieces of legislation are flawed, they each on balance represent a step forward towards the ultimate goal of a political process that is not corrupted by rivers of cash. 

"Disgracefully the Premier refused to meet with the Greens to discuss ways of limiting the impacts on environment organisations  and unions. 

"He made his partisan agenda quite clear.

"We were not prepared to support amendments unless the government indicated they would not result in the Bill lapsing.

"While we had a number of important changes to the Bill that would take away some of the unnecessary and damaging restrictions on third parties, we did not want to give the Premier any excuse to run away from the reform agenda. 

"We also voted against Opposition amendments just as we voted against the Coalition's amendments to the 2010 bill. 

"Curing the Liberal, National and Labor parties of their addiction to corporate funding was too important to play politics with the future of this bill.

"The Greens were also able to secure the passage of an amendment which protects the crucial right of peak bodies such as Unions NSW and NCOSS to be able to run campaigns on behalf of their members, provided their primary intent is to advance the issue, not a political party. The Better Services for a Better State campaign, for example, will not be affected by the legislation.

"The banning of corporate and union donations is a victory for the tireless campaigning of Greens members, supporters and volunteers who have worked to highlight the corrupting nature of political donations that have allowed a level of access to politicians that ordinary people have not had," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455