The Territory Labor Government has passed the Electoral Legislation Further Amendment Bill 2019

This bill is based on recommendations made by Justice John Mansfield in his Political Donations Inquiry.

The inquiry was a key Labor election commitment, after the CLP repeatedly refused to have a donations inquiry in the wake of their Foundation 51 scandal.

Passage of the Bill will mean these reforms are in place in time for the next NT general election in August next year, with a review post-election.

The Electoral Legislation Further Amendment Bill 2019 includes:

• A cap on how much parties and candidates can spend on a campaign

An indexed $40,000 cap on electoral expenditure for individual candidates, with a pooled cap for political parties. The maximum cap for political parties standing candidates in all 25 seats would be $1 million.

• Improvements to reporting requirements and disclosure returns in election years and the lead up to election day

The proposed amendments maximise the availability of up‑to‑date donation information that can be accessed by the public when casting their vote.

This will have the effect of focusing on increasing the transparency of political donations and expenditure, particularly in election years.

This change will mean that Territorians are informed of what donations parties have received pre-polling starts.

• Reforms to ensure compliance of associated entities and third parties with the Electoral Act

The Bill imposes new requirements for disclosures by third party campaigners and associated groups and caps electoral expenditure for associated groups.

It requires both groups to register with the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC). NTEC must publish both registers on its website.

• Imprisonment of up to 10 years and stiff penalties of up to $232,500

The Bill also contains new offences and penalties to drive compliance with the new scheme.

Quotes from the Chief Minister Michael Gunner:

“After Terry Mills’ and the CLP’s Foundation 51 scandal, it was important to reform the donations system in the Territory.

“If it were up to the CLP, the Mansfield Inquiry and the reforms would have never happened.

“This legislation will hold politicians and political parties to account for their donations and reporting of donations with strict offences and penalties.

“It will include the toughest ever caps and reporting standards for donations in the Territory.

“It also means that Territorians will know who and how much has been donated to parties and candidates before they cast their vote."

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192