Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, has called for proposed new laws regarding the disclosure of political donations to go even further.
“Every effort should be made to rid the political system of shades of grey so that funding of political candidates is crystal clear.
“Only then, can we have any assurance that candidates are not being corrupted by large donations from self interest groups or individuals,” Mr O’Dea said.
The Member for Davidson told the Parliament that while he welcomed the proposed reforms, they don’t come close to fulfilling the promises made by the Premier or the recommendations of the Select Committee on Electoral and Political Party Funding.
“Greater integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability are needed to fix a fundamentally defective system”, Mr O’Dea told Parliament.
“The Bill, among other things, requires the disclosure of contributions of $1,000 or more but does nothing to address limits to contributions, including funding from unions, Mr O’Dea said.
“The only reason the Premier has taken the limited action contained in the Bills is as the result of pressure from the Coalition, the Greens and the uncovering of corruption within the Labor controlled Wollongong Council.
“I urge the Premier to stop dithering and implement wholesale reform in which all donations can be tracked and New South Wales residents can have renewed confidence in the political system.
“The public needs assurance that political decisions are made in the best interests of the state as a whole and not unduly influenced by those with personal agendas and big wallets,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
