CLP top the million-dollar mark to win election fundraising battle
The final election fundraising returns have been released with two weeks to go before election day. Read who gave what.
Northern Territory
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The Country Liberal Party topped the million-dollar mark and a handful of loyal Labor donors made late contributions to help swell the governing party’s coffers, according to the latest NT Electoral Commission returns.
Released on Friday, the updated 2024 NT election returns show that since July 2023, the CLP has collected donations totalling $1,191,150, Labor $748,654 and NT Greens $264,173.
The Greens had 766 individual donors compared to Labor with 571 and CLP’s 269.
The latest returns cover the period July 1 to August 1, 2024, with Labor raising $202,458 during the month compared with the CLP’s $134,549 and NT Greens’ $68,488.
Nine independent candidates listed in the disclosures raised a total of $110,771.50.
Since the last returns were lodged on July 22, Labor’s federal fundraising body, the ALP National Secretariat, donated $133,834.97 to its NT affiliate to help fund the government’s re-election bid.
Labor received $52,000 from Randazzo Properties, $38,000 from the United Workers Union, $35,000 from David Walker, $20,000 from the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, $15,000 from Territory Property Group, $11,036 from Ebony Costa and $10,000 each from former party leader and chief minister Paul Henderson and WA-based PRL Group.
The CLP received $50,000 from Randazzo Properties, $35,000 from Out There NT Pty Ltd, $25,000 from North West Construction and $10,000 donations each from Dean Hurrell, Emery Point Investments Pty Ltd, Manny Koulakis, M&K McCourt Pty Ltd, Ted Morris, Joe Randazo, Strangways Developments Pty Ltd, Tamboran and THE Mining Pty Ltd.
The Australian Greens in Canberra contributed $147,902 with two new donations totalling $5500 to the NT Greens from Melbourne-based donors.
The latest returns also shaved $5000 off the eye-watering donation from CLP supporter Ray Bail, who last month was reported as donating $204,500 to the conservative party’s cause.
A footnote to the NTEC’s returns said a donation of $5500 had been double counted under All Cast Darwin and Ray Bail Investments Pty Ltd, meaning Mr Bail’s donation was actually $199,000.
Returns from nine of the 20 independents contesting the August 24 election were lodged with the NTEC, with Justine Davis in Johnston declaring donations totalling $27,852 and Justine Glover in Karama declaring $18,107.53.
Wanguri independent green candidate Graeme Sawyer received $17,950, Belinda Kolstad in Goyder received $11,200, Mark Guyula in Mulka received $10,000 and Mililma May in Nightcliff received $9962.50.
Under NTEC rules, registered political parties, candidates, associated entities and third party campaigners must disclose the number of donors and the total gift amount received, covering both monetary contributions and gifts-in-kind.
The release of returns pre-empted the commencement of early voting on Monday.
Early voting centres are located in Darwin City, Casuarina, Palmerston, Coolalinga, Berry Springs, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Sixteen remote voting teams will visit 172 remote locations across the Territory, with up to four days of voting available in larger remote communities including Maningrida, Wadeye and Galiwinku.
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