Labor and Opposition collude to shut down donations debate

The Liberal, National and Labor parties today voted together in the upper house to stifle debate on a Greens Bill that would prohibit developers making donations to political parties.

The Greens Bill makes it an offence for a political party or candidate to accept a donation from a property developer. The Bill also makes it an offence for anyone involved in property development to make a donation to a political party or candidate.

"Coalition protestations that they are opposed to developer donations have been shownto be hollow," said Ms Sylvia Hale, Greens spokesperson for Planning, who moved the Bill.

"Their clear desire to avoid any real action shows that their commitment to ending the developer donations culture in this State is no greater than Labor's.

The Opposition are hypocrites on the one hand to say they don't like donations, and on the other then do nothing to end them. Given the opportunity to act, the Liberals and Nationals have declined to do so.

The people of NSW are crying out for an end to the donations culture where developers can buy favourable decisions."

"The Greens have strongly advocated for an end to all political donations", said Ms Hale. "This Bill is an important first step that would help to restore faith in the decision making processes of government."

Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Restoration of Community Participation) Bill 2008

Contact: Colin Hesse on 9230 3030 or 0401 719 12