Any reform needs to balance political equality, liberty and integrity, writes professor of law at the University of Queensland Graeme Orr.
What role should "foreign money" play in Australian political campaigns? Many people would say "none", and a parliamentary committee report released last Friday seems to agree. The committee recommends banning foreign donations to Australian parties. The government members would go further and add lobby groups to parties.
Three questions arise. Why a ban? Whose campaigns would be denied overseas assistance? And how might we define "foreign money"?
The controversy over its foreign donation and foreign interference proposals confirms that this "Liberal" government is the most authoritarian in decades.
Crikey Worm: Beijing weighs into the Dastyari scandal
Good morning, early birds. The Chinese Communist Party has tried to hose down fears in Australian Parliament about foreign donations and influence. Plus, Labor is on the cusp of victory in Queensland, and that's bad news for Adani. It's the news you need to know, with Max Chalmers.
The government wants to ban foreign donations — except the significant ones, of course
It's not the constitution but the cash that would be at risk if there was an across-the-board ban on foreign donations.
Crikey Worm: fallout from Brighton siege, pressure on foreign donations
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said parole laws need to be overhauled after Brighton terror siege, Adani coal mine gets green light but needs cash. It's the news you need to know, by Josh Taylor and Max Chalmers.
Committee recommends wide-ranging crackdown on foreign donations
Australian political parties would be banned from accepting foreign donations under a proposal from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.
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