Greens want probe into cash for Libs
THE Greens say they will push for a Commission of Inquiry with sweeping powers to look into the funding of the Liberal Party’s 2018 state election campaign by gambling interests.
Undeterred by her party’s failure to win Labor support for a snap no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes after the election, Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it was outrageous that an opposition party would support a Liberal minority government brought to power in an election “bought by the gambling lobby”.
She said the Greens would push for a wideranging inquiry into the election campaign and who had funded it.
The state election campaign had been dominated by the Liberals, who had spent big on media advertising and whose outdoor advertising banners outnumber those of their opponents by a hefty margin.
“Not only on the first day (of Parliament) would we move no-confidence in any Liberal majority on minority government but we would also move for a Commission of Inquiry. We need to have a Commission of Inquiry in order to compel witnesses and evidence and get to the bottom of this campaign,” Ms O’Connor said.
“We need to get to the bottom of all the dark and dirty money that’s flowing into this election campaign in an attempt to buy the election for the Liberals.
“We need to get to the bottom of this corruption of our democracy to ensure that it never happens again.”
The current rules applying to electoral funding disclos- ure in Tasmania do not require the sources of funding to be revealed until next year — and only cover amounts of more than $13,200.
Premier Will Hodgman said the Greens had ample opportunity to change the laws relating to electoral donations when they were in government but did not.
“I have confidence in our democratic process and that all Tasmanians can freely express their views,” he said.
“On Saturday, yes, there is crucial choice to be made. All political parties receive political donations from a variety of sources and that includes the Greens and it does include the Labor Party and we all are expected to abide by the law.
“I mean it’s classic Greens also choosing to change the goalposts at the last possible minute they were complaining about disclosure when they were actually part of Government and had two ministers, but now they are crying foul.”
Anti-pokies activists yesterday unveiled a new mobile billboard funded by Mona founder David Walsh.
Long-time campaigner Pat Caprice from Bad Bets Australia called on Federal Group chairman Greg Farrell to reveal political donations.
“Greg, Why don’t you tell us how much you have spent trying to buy our democracy?” he said. held undue influence in Tasmanian politics.
“Transparency is vital to improving public trust. The public has a right to know if the influence of the gambling industry continues today,” he said.
“We are calling on all parties and candidates to disclose donations and other campaign support from the gambling industry before the upcoming state election on March 3.”
The rules surrounding electoral donations in Tasmania are the laxest in the nation. Voters will not know until next year who funded the parties and to what extent. The sources of donations of less than $13,200 need not be disclosed.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor on Monday said her party would move a motion of no-confidence in the Liberal Party on day one of the next parliament because of perceptions the party was being heavily backed by the gambling lobby.
Premier Will Hodgman has repeatedly said his party will disclose all of the donations it received in full compliance with the law.
All political parties receive political donations from a variety of sources
— WILL HODGMAN We need to have a Commission of Inquiry ... and get to the bottom of this campaign
— CASSY O’CONNOR