Labor and the Liberals declared only a tiny proportion of their income in 2021-22

Medical companies, banks, the spirits industry and forest industry were among significant donors to the Tasmanian Liberal Party in 2021-22, it’s been revealed. SPECIAL REPORT >>

Star Entertainment Group CEO Robbie Cooke. The company was a Tasmanian Liberal party donor.

MEDICAL companies, banks, consulting companies, the spirits industry and the forest industry were among significant donors to the Tasmanian Liberal Party in 2021-22.

Under Australian Electoral Commission rules, and in the absence of state-based donation laws, political parties are only obliged to identify donors making single contributions of more than $14,500.

The AEC’s annual financial disclosure returns published on Wednesday showed the Tasmanian Liberals declared less than one fifth $3.81m the party received in 2021-22.

Labor received $1.09m for the year, with almost 90 per cent undeclared.

However Mercury analysis of annual returns from political donors reveals the source of at least some of the undeclared money given to the Liberals.

Timber in a sawmill. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

Some of the bigger donors to the Tasmanian Liberals were Australian Forest Products Association, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, superannuation company MLC Limited, hotel developer Star Entertainment Group and beverage industry body Spirits and Cocktails Australia.

All donated more than the $14,500 AEC threshold, but through multiple donations.

The state government has tabled legislation for a state-based disclosure scheme, requiring parties to declare donations over $5000.

The Bill is due to be debated by the Legislative Council early this year.

Pfizer vaccine in vials. Picture: Rae Wilson

Independent Clark MHR Andrew Wilkie said there was also an urgent need for reform at federal level.

“When someone hands over hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in donations, it comes with an expectation of a return on that investment. And let’s not forget how ridiculous it is that Clive Palmer is allowed to give more than $116 million to his party through his mining company, Mineralogy,” Mr Wilkie said.

“It’s also alarming to read that the Tasmanian branch of the Liberal Party did not disclose more than 80 per cent of their donations. No wonder trust in politicians is at an all-time low when parties are essentially accepting what can be akin to wads of cash in a brown paper bag.”

The AEC returns also revealed fledgling Tasmanian-based political party The Local Party attracted more than $100,000 in donations from interstate entities.

Climate 200 gave the party $54,375 and Keep them Honest gave the party $50,000

Both Sydney-based entities were major backers of successful teal candidates in the federal election.