Controversial ‘cash-for-access’ pockets $550k
QUEENSLAND’S major political parties cashed in by selling access to their senior decision makers this year under a dubious fundraising scheme that was denounced a decade ago by revered corruption fighter Tony Fitzgerald.
Donor records reveal Labor and the LNP have pocketed $550,000 during 2020 through their secret “business forum” schemes where cashed-up participants get access to the Government minister or Opposition MP of their choice in exchange for a set fee.
Industry groups, lobbyists and lawyers dominate the list of 71 organisations that paid $5500 for a single ticket to access the forums along with bigname Australian businesses, including Santo, Telstra and TABCORP.
Ahead of the October 31 state election, Labor raised the lion’s share of the funding with 45 organisations coughing up a total of $396,000 while the
LNP made $159,500 from 26 organisations.
The parties have continued to deploy the so-called “cashfor-access” fundraising technique despite Mr Fitzgerald lambasting it at the time of the Bligh government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revived the practice after it was banned by her predecessor Anna Bligh while the LNP has never stopped.
On the 20th anniversary of his landmark report in 2009, Mr Fitzgerald warned Queensland
was at risk of reviving its “dark past” as ethical standards declined.
“Access can now be purchased, patronage is dispensed, mates and supporters are appointed and retired politicians exploit their political connections to obtain success fees for deals between business and government,” he said.
“Neither side of politics is interested in these issues except for short-term political advantage.”
Labor state secretary Julie
Ann Campbell insisted the party’s donations were legal and properly declared.
“Queensland Labor has been a leader in introducing some of the country’s strongest laws in relation to disclosure and transparency,” she said.
“All disclosures are made in accordance with the law.”
The LNP, which recently conceded it may have breached electoral laws by allowing a developer to attend a fundraising dinner, failed to respond.