GetUp donation from foreign interests designed to skirt new laws, Alex Hawke says

Liberal MP Alex Hawke suggests the left-wing activist network ignored tough new laws just days before they were introduced.

Liberal MP Alex Hawke says a donation to GetUp ahead of new rules is concerning. Picture: Kym Smith

Special Minister of State Alex Hawke says a $95,000 foreign donation to GetUp just days before foreign donations to political actors were banned is “deeply concerning,” suggesting the left-wing activist network ignored tough new laws just days before they were introduced.

The Australian revealed today that GetUp got the donation from the European Climate Foundation in December just weeks before a January 1 cut-off date for foreign payments.

Mr Hawke, the minister overseeing political donations and a key lieutenant of Scott Morrison’s, told The Australian that today’s report concerned him and that he would crack down on any organisation which attempted to circumvent the new laws on foreign donations.

“Reports that certain political actors in Australia have sought to source foreign funds just days before the start date of this legislation taking effect, are deeply concerning,” he said.

“It is essential that foreign donors do not influence our elections and that organisations in Australia comply with the law. The Morrison government will ensure compliance with this important legislation, both in practice and in spirit, as the Australian public expect.”

The foreign donations laws passed the Senate late last year with bipartisan support.

GetUp was caught in the changes after altering its constitution last year, removing any suggestion they could be considered a charity. Conservatives have used GetUp as a key reason for why foreign donations rules needed to be changed, after it received a number of donations with American and European links.

Mr Hawke said the laws were necessary to support the integrity of Australia’s electoral system and its sovereignty.

“We have legislated to ensure that foreign donors can no longer influence Australian politics and the way elections are conducted in Australia,” he said.

“Foreign governments, foreign billionaires and foreign companies have no legitimate role in funding any activities that influence Australian politics, and that’s why we’ve banned foreign donations.”

GetUp has said the donation is earmarked for “research” and will not be used for political purposes in the lead-up to this year’s federal election, expected to be held in May.

A GetUp spokeswoman said there was no need for any concern as the donation was before the cut-off date and the activist network revealed the donation before the laws changed in January.

“The grant was received in early December and we updated our website with the grant detail at the end of that month, not after Jan 1 like Senator Abetz first claimed,” she said.

“It’s no surprise that the Federal government is feeling threatened by Australians talking more about climate change.

“What is Alex Hawke is suggesting? ... This (donation) is an exciting opportunity to improve Australians’ understanding of climate change. The people most interested in this are those who are holding back action on climate change.”