BREAKING: A High Court challenge has triggered significant changes to political donation laws in Victoria, ensuring a more level playing field for minor parties and independent candidates. The Victorian government is set to introduce these reforms in parliament on Tuesday, with a cap of $500,000 on withdrawals from a party’s nominated entity during election periods. Independent candidates will now be able to access funds up to $50,000.
The urgency of these changes comes after a legal battle involving the West Party and several teal independents, who argued that the existing donation laws were unconstitutional. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating, “Fair elections are the bedrock of democracy, and we are delivering these reforms to ensure Victorians can be confident in their electoral processes.”
The reforms are particularly crucial as the current laws permitted major parties like Labor, Liberal, and National to withdraw unlimited sums from fundraising bodies known as “nominated entities.” This loophole has raised concerns about the fairness of elections, as smaller parties and independents were unable to establish similar entities.
In addition to the donation law changes, the Victorian government is also proposing to shorten the early voting period from 12 days to 10 days. This adjustment aims to give the Victorian Electoral Commission more time to prepare for elections and align deadlines for registering political parties and candidates.
Moreover, the government is considering abolishing the state’s controversial upper house group voting system, which has been criticized for allowing parties to funnel preferences, enabling candidates to be elected with just a fraction of the vote. Victoria remains the only Australian state still using this system. Plans are in place to potentially scrap it for the November 2026 election, with a possible referendum to alter the structure of the upper house in the next term.
These developments are not just procedural; they represent a fundamental shift in Victoria’s electoral landscape. As the government seeks to implement these changes, the implications for political transparency and fairness are immense.
Stay tuned as further updates unfold and the government prepares to table these reforms, reshaping the electoral process in Victoria.
