If Malcolm Turnbull was serious about improving confidence in the political system, he would back Labor’s plan for reforms to political donations and the Senate Inquiry we’ve launched into a National Integrity Commission.Labor supports the establishment of an independent authority to oversee the system and the legislation – but the Coalition’s dithering on these important reforms has contributed to undermining Australians’ confidence in those they elect to serve them.
Malcolm Turnbull’s been shamed into action on parliamentary expenses because of the actions of Sussan Ley, sitting on the recommendations of the independent review of the expenses system for more than a year.
Today’s legislation isn’t good enough – on Monday, Bill Shorten will introduce legislation to make the donations system more transparent and accountable.
The Prime Minister says he supports greater transparency but still hid his own $1.75 million donation for months.
The Liberals continue to put off reforms to political donations so they can hide their big money donations.
This will be a test for Malcolm Turnbull – will he back greater transparency in political donations, or is he too weak?