BLIGH BACKS IEMMA’S POLITICAL DONATIONS CALL
Published Saturday, 22 March, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has welcomed her NSW counterpart’s call for debate on banning donations to political parties.
““I am keen to talk with the other political parties in Queensland to seek their views and hopefully gain their bipartisan support,” said Ms Bligh.
“Morris has made public a view I believe should be further considered.
“Democracy does come at a price. It doesn’t matter who you are, you should be able to access the political system.
“We have an envied system here Queensland with our Community Cabinet process where anyone can just bowl up and talk with a Minister or with me, but we need to be ever-vigilant that access is there for all.
“Debate on this suggestion is a good way to ensure that this remains the Australian and Queensland way.
“We cannot afford for Australia to follow the American system where only the rich can access the political process or run for office.
“A significant change like this would be best done it if had a national consistency.”
“As well any debate will have to consider how actual public funding is developed.”
Mr Iemma is reported today to be calling for a fully public-funded system
“He says that by simply giving a political donation a perception is created that something has been done wrong and as a result he’s arguing that the time has come to test the viability of a full public system.
“Morris’ view will attract criticism and support, but I admire his preparedness to speak openly about a complex area.
“Queenslanders, no matter what their background or circumstance, are entitled to be heard and treated equally. If we have to pay a price to keep our system that way then it should be considered,” said Ms Bligh.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
““I am keen to talk with the other political parties in Queensland to seek their views and hopefully gain their bipartisan support,” said Ms Bligh.
“Morris has made public a view I believe should be further considered.
“Democracy does come at a price. It doesn’t matter who you are, you should be able to access the political system.
“We have an envied system here Queensland with our Community Cabinet process where anyone can just bowl up and talk with a Minister or with me, but we need to be ever-vigilant that access is there for all.
“Debate on this suggestion is a good way to ensure that this remains the Australian and Queensland way.
“We cannot afford for Australia to follow the American system where only the rich can access the political process or run for office.
“A significant change like this would be best done it if had a national consistency.”
“As well any debate will have to consider how actual public funding is developed.”
Mr Iemma is reported today to be calling for a fully public-funded system
“He says that by simply giving a political donation a perception is created that something has been done wrong and as a result he’s arguing that the time has come to test the viability of a full public system.
“Morris’ view will attract criticism and support, but I admire his preparedness to speak openly about a complex area.
“Queenslanders, no matter what their background or circumstance, are entitled to be heard and treated equally. If we have to pay a price to keep our system that way then it should be considered,” said Ms Bligh.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500