Spending caps, real-time disclosure requirements, and a lower donation threshold are among recommended reforms to reduce the election influence of donors with deep pockets.
The reforms are part of a push to increase transparency in federal elections and level the playing field so the biggest spenders do not have an unfair advantage.
Election spending reached a record $440 million in 2022, and the top five individual donors contributed 70 percent of all donations, an analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity found.
A joint parliamentary committee has been investigating potential reforms to funding, donations and transparency.
Its interim report has made 15 recommendations centred around political donations and spending, trust in the electoral system and Indigenous people’s participation in elections….