Today
The secret millions bolstering Labor and Liberal election campaigns
For Labor and the Coalition, the secret to millions of dollars in cashflow each election is more prosaic than big money donors or paid access schemes for lobbyists.
This Month
Barrister Julian Burnside shows Kooyong’s shifting sands
Securing the support of progressive voters’ favourite barrister is quite the coup for Monique Ryan.
Deposed CFMEU official rallies union to vote for Dutton
The Coalition’s promise to deregister the union’s construction division isn’t enough to stop this CFMEU powerbroker preferencing Labor last.
March
Alex Waislitz joins billionaires hosting dinners for Dutton
The Melbourne investor is the latest deep-pocketed businessman to raise money for the opposition leader.
New $100,000 war chest to bankroll female independents
Anger at federal election donation laws that favour the major parties prompted leading businesswomen and philanthropists to create a fundraising vehicle to boost the crossbench.
Dutton left ‘very serious’ cyclone area for Hemmes’ Sydney mansion
The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister “governing, not campaigning” as Queensland braced for the storm.
February
Trumpet of Patriots a reminder donation laws target not just teals
Those vowing to dismantle the laws in the event of a hung parliament should be careful what they wish for because the billionaire might just change his business model.
I offered to work with Dutton, he wasn’t interested: Monique Ryan
The teal MP says what she is looking for from the major parties is “well-developed, mature, coherent policy”, but so far, the Coalition has only a “poverty of policy”.
‘I call BS’: Zali Steggall confronts minister in blow-up over donations laws
Labor faces tough negotiations with teal crossbenchers in the event of a hung parliament, after doing a deal with the Coalition on electoral reforms.
Crossbench shut out of political donations overhaul
Teal MPs and the Greens have slammed a deal by the major parties to revamp electoral funding laws.
Heat on Liberals over $500k donation
The son of former Liberal premier Ted Baillieu says the Liberal Party should be investigated over a possible breach of Victoria’s donation caps.
Senate scramble as Labor pushes ‘wedgislation’ before election
This week may be the last chance for the Senate to pass bills before Australians go to the polls.
Three generations of Holmes a Courts are helping Kate Chaney
The family may provide art, campaign financing and unpaid admin assistance to the Perth MP, but the teals are still independent.
Inside the money machine: what happens at a political fundraiser
Politicians may be reluctant to draw back the curtain. But with so many attendees, it’s hard to keep this business secret.
Forget donations. This is where the major parties make millions
Both major parties run “forums” that give executives and lobbyists access to ministers and shadow ministers based on the subscription tier they subscribe to.
January
The biggest financial backers of Climate 200 revealed
Two investors donated about $1 million each to the teal fundraising vehicle, while a 94-year-old grandfather matched donations up to $1000 for each year of his life.
November 2024
Rex donated thousands of dollars in free flights to political parties
The regional airline, which is now under administration, flew party officials for no cost during the last two election campaigns, disclosures show.
July 2024
Labor warned against union-friendly donations laws
Amid intense scrutiny of the CFMEU, key crossbenchers have hit out at a possible stitch-up between the major parties on new political donation rules.
Political donations reform push faces tough opposition
Labor’s plans for speedy disclosure of political donations by big businesses and Rich Listers could be scuttled by the Greens and the Coalition.
April 2024
The corporate cost of the Yes campaign
In some circles, there is now a perception that corporate alignment with a cause can alienate more voters than it persuades.