PREMIER WASHES HIS HANDS OF DONATIONS

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says donations to the Liberal Party by the gambling industry are nothing to do with him.

In state parliament on Wednesday, independent MP for Clark Kristie Johnston pressed the Premier on how much his party had received from gambling interests in recent years as it formulated new laws governing gaming.

The state’s electoral donation laws are the weakest in the nation and only require the disclosure of amounts of $14,200 or more.

Australian Electoral Commission data show the Liberals have received $1.1m from the industry in recent years – but the source of most donations is never revealed.

Ms Johnston described Mr Gutwein’s response to her earlier question on the topic – that she should do her own research – as “churlish”.

“I ask you to make a more complete disclosure to the Tasmanian people including cash donations and in-kind contributions instead of hiding behind Tasmania’s weak disclosure laws,” she said.

But Mr Gutwein was unrepentant.

“You said you asked me a straightforward question. I gave you a straightforward answer,” he said. “The member knows very well that as the Premier, donations are not my business. Donations are handled at arm’s length by the Tasmanian Liberal organisation. We have abided by the law.”

Reforms to state electoral laws are expected to be debated by parliament before the end of the year.

Ms Johnston said the Premier was avoiding her questions. “Premier it is very much your business, and you are avoiding the question and not being honest with the Tasmanian community about how much your party is indebted to the gambling industry,” she said.