The Queensland Government has enacted significant electoral reforms aimed at restoring fairness and integrity to the state’s electoral system. This move fulfills a promise made by the Crisafulli Government to address long-standing issues, particularly those observed during the last decade under the Labor Party’s administration.
Under these new reforms, individuals currently serving a prison sentence or detention of one year or more will lose their eligibility to vote in state and local government elections, as well as in referendums. This change aligns with the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to prioritising victims’ rights.
Leveling the Playing Field for Political Donations
In another key aspect of these reforms, the government has amended the rules surrounding political donations. New legislation now permits both trade unions and property developers to contribute to state election campaigns. This change directly contrasts with Labor’s previous ban on property developer donations at the state level, which was inconsistent with Recommendation 20 of the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Operation Belcarra Report that focused on local elections.
Importantly, the prohibition on property developer donations for local government campaigns remains in effect. The government has also increased penalties for any breaches of this ban, aiming to further strengthen the integrity of local council elections.
The reforms include measures to enhance transparency in political advertising. All electoral materials published within the 12 months leading up to an election must now include authorisations, ensuring that Queensland voters are aware of who is backing political messages. Additionally, the new laws have annualised the cap periods for political donations, aligning Queensland’s regulations with those of New South Wales and the Commonwealth. Notably, loans from regulated lenders and reputable financial institutions for electoral expenses are now allowed.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Integrity, Deb Frecklington, expressed confidence in the reforms, stating, “The Crisafulli Government is delivering what we promised – an electoral system that is fair, transparent and focused on integrity.” She highlighted the need to eliminate the “double standards” that had previously existed, noting, “Labor spent a decade gaming the system with sneaky amendments and double standards – one rule for their mates, another for everyone else. That ends now.”
A Commitment to Fairness
The reforms signify a shift towards a more equitable electoral framework, aimed at reinstating public trust in Queensland’s political processes. “These reforms not only put victims first but bring Queensland into line with other jurisdictions, and restore a genuine level playing field for political donations,” Frecklington added.
With these changes, the Queensland Government aims to eradicate the “bad old days” of financial gerrymandering and to promote a political atmosphere characterized by fairness and integrity. The reforms are expected to have a lasting impact on the electoral landscape, ensuring that voters can trust the integrity of their electoral system once again.
