Page 4157 - Week 13 - Thursday, 27 November 2014
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The commission’s report to the Legislative Assembly recommended changes to the campaign finance reform provisions of the act. This bill implements the government’s response to that report.
The commission has recommended that the Assembly consider whether some categories of gifts in kind, such as room hire, be exempt from disclosure under the act. This recommendation acknowledges the difficulties of meeting reporting requirements in this situation. The government response as reflected in this bill is that gifts such as free room hire be included in annual returns to be lodged with the commission and the returns not include the cost of room hire. Any gifts over and above the room hire, such as donations of food or drinks, will still have to be reported as required currently.
The commission also recommended that the act be amended to ensure that gifts given to MLAs in their capacity as a minister be treated as gifts for the purposes of the campaign finance reform provisions of the act. This would remove an ambiguity in the act which could lead to inconsistent practice or perceptions of inappropriate receipt of gifts. Clauses 44 and 45 of the bill implement this proposal.
The commission also identified an issue relating to disputed debts with a total amount of $1,000 or more held by a registered party, MLA or associated entity at 30 June. This bill amends the act to require such debts to be reported in annual returns.
In another measure to assist parties to comply with deadlines for annual returns, the bill proposes that the lodgement date for submission of annual returns be extended to 31 August. This will provide an opportunity for the electorate to be aware of disclosures prior to an election, while allowing obligated parties to include more accurate, verified information.
Finally, the bill makes a number of technical amendments to remove ambiguity, ensure consistency within the act and maintain fairness in counting.
As stated in the government response to the select committee, the integrity of our electoral system is the cornerstone of a robust democracy and a society in which citizens can truly participate. The government is committed to maintaining a robust electoral system that territory voters can have confidence in.
I would like to thank the select committee for its careful consideration of the issues raised and its thoughtful recommendations. I also thank the Electoral Commission for its continued watchfulness over the highly technical systems that support ACT elections. As these changes will be in place for the next ACT election in 2016, there will be a significant amount of work required in the next two years to support the new arrangements. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Hanson) adjourned to the next sitting.
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