22 November 2010 Media Statement

Electoral finance law a ‘workable compromise’

The Labour Party has reached a workable compromise with the Government over electoral finance laws for the next year, says Labour’s Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

“We will be monitoring aspects of the proposed new law to see how it works out in practice,” Lianne Dalziel said.

Lianne Dalziel said that the most controversial aspect of the proposal is the increase in the disclosure threshold. “The increase is not Labour Party policy but Labour will support it as part of this package

“The critical issue for us was to have spending limits imposed on third parties to avoid the Americanisation of our political system, and we have achieved that.

“Until now the only spending cap on third parties has been the $50,000 for a citizens’ initiated referendum.

“We have agreed on the figure of $300,000 as it represents the bottom end of the range for a medium level nationwide advertising campaign in the retail sector.”

Lianne Dalziel said that negotiating the package was the best way forward.

“One factor that has influenced us is that the number of donations within each band will have to be disclosed. That will give us a clear understanding for the future and whether this needs to be changed after the next election.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media