In November 2024, the Australian government introduced the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024, aiming to overhaul electoral funding and donation laws. The bill proposed capping individual donations at $20,000 and campaign spending at $90 million, while increasing taxpayer funding per vote for major parties. This change effectively allocated an additional $40 million to the major parties, Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition, raising concerns about fairness and the influence of “big money” in politics.

The bill passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, including backing from the Coalition. However, it faced significant opposition in the Senate. The Greens and independent senators, such as Jacqui Lambie, criticized the reforms, arguing that they disproportionately benefited major parties and disadvantaged independents and minor parties. They contended that the increased public funding for major parties would entrench their dominance, making it more challenging for smaller parties and independents to compete.

One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, also opposed the bill. They expressed concerns that the reforms would entrench the two-party system and limit the influence of minor parties. One Nation’s opposition was rooted in their belief that the changes would favor the major parties and undermine the diversity of political representation.

In summary, while the major parties supported the electoral reforms, the Greens, independents, and One Nation opposed them, citing concerns about fairness and the potential for increased influence of major parties over minor parties and independents.

Perhaps freezing pay increases for politicians, being reflective of the economy, yet they don’t seem happy with their pay packet, don’t do the job then move aside for people who actually want better for this country instead of even more regulations and laws that weren’t required.

It’s time for change. vote 1 for people like me so that we can put a stop to the leeches!

If it’s government funded, it’s not free, we are paying for it! Do you agree with these changes or do you still not care?