Port Macquarie – Hastings Council’s submission to the Inquiry into Electoral and Political Party Funding is a valuable contribution to the election donation debate.

The current rules only require candidates to disclose donations made prior to 30 days before the election. This means that the community is not make aware of significant donations made in the last 30 days of the election campaign, or even after the election itself.

I agree with Council’s submission that Councillors should be made to declare all significant donations in their Disclosure of Interest Return, which is accessible to the public.

I don’t think banning donations would be effective, because it would push campaign contributions underground. However, a cap on contributions, particularly from corporations, might curtail the excessive influence corporations can have.

I would support some public funding towards the campaign expenses of local government candidates. This would enable a broader range of people to run, including those of lesser financial means.