CLP slams NT Labor’s move to exempt volunteer travel from reporting rules
LABOR’S move to exclude travel costs for campaign volunteers from election expenditure rules — against the recommendation of an inquiry into political donations — is “astonishing”, according to the CLP
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LABOR’S move to exclude travel costs for campaign volunteers from election expenditure rules — against the recommendation of an inquiry into political donations — is “astonishing”, according to the CLP.
Deputy Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said in parliament the exclusion would allow Labor’s “union mates” to spend “unlimited amount on travel and accommodation for volunteers to fly to the Territory and flood our remote electorates”.
Justice Mansfield’s report into political donations recommended spending on volunteer labour forces (including airfares, accommodation and the value of wages where the volunteer is not taking unpaid leave) should be included in the $40,000 per seat expenditure cap.
Labor’s electoral reform bill has exempted “third party campaigners” — which include unions and lobby groups — from the cap. It would also exempt all travel costs from disclosure rules.
Ms Finocchiaro said third party campaigners were left out because Chief Minister Michael Gunner was “terrified of the fate it will face” at the 2020 election without the financial support of unions.
“If you have a cap, then the cap should apply fairly and equally,” she said.
On Tuesday Mr Gunner pointed to a decision of the NSW High Court which held that an attempt to slash the amount of money that could be spent by third-party campaigners infringed freedom of political communication.
“This ruling does not only affect unions, but also business lobby groups, charities and individuals,” he said.
The electoral reform bill is before parliament now.