Labor’s bill to cap election spending tabled

Right now, there is no limit on what can be spent in a Tasmanian state election. That lets big corporations, lobby groups and the very wealthy spend whatever it takes to push their agenda and drown out the voices of everyone else.

Our bill fixes that. It caps spending by parties, independent candidates, and third-party campaigners. That means lobby groups, peak bodies, civil society organisations, and unions. It closes the loopholes and brings in real penalties for anyone who breaks the rules. The same rules apply to everyone, including Labor.

Every Member now must decide. Do they want the rich and powerful pouring millions into elections to influence votes, or do they believe politics should be about ideas to make Tasmania better?

We expect the Liberal Party to oppose it, and we expect some of the biggest spenders and most powerful interests to oppose it too. 

We’re up for the fight because nobody should be able to buy an election.