NSW: Libs talk tough but yet to act on donation reform: Rhiannon

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2009
NSW: Libs talk tough but yet to act on donation reform: Rhiannon

SYDNEY, Aug 17 AAP - The Liberals continue to talk tough about cleaning up the political
donation problems plaguing NSW's electoral system but are yet to properly act, the Greens
say.

Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell has urged the NSW government to support an inquiry
by the state's corruption watchdog into political donations and government decision-making.

An Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry would at least end the
perception of a "decisions for donations" culture around NSW, Mr O'Farrell says.

"Whether (Premier Nathan) Rees likes it or not, the community is concerned about this
issue and we need an ICAC inquiry to deal with it," he has said.

The coalition will also introduce legislation to specifically charge ICAC with the
power to monitor the issue of donations and decision making.

But Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says while Mr O'Farrell "talks big" on donations he has
refused to disclose which donations were made personally to him.

Instead all donations are disclosed as being made out to the Liberal Party.

Ms Rhiannon says while this isn't illegal, it is not in keeping with the standards
Mr O'Farrell has stated he believes in.

The coalition has accepted donations from leading lobbyists and also voted with the
government to defeat election funding reforms moved by the Greens, she says.

"Mr O'Farrell is trying to walk both sides of the road here," Ms Rhiannon said.

"He's trying to keep the donations coming in, he obviously wants to win the election.

"But he has sensed the public mood. The public want change in this area, so he's trying
to fly the flag for donation reform.

"You have to doubt if he will follow through when he's failed to do so when he's had
the opportunity."

Ms Rhiannon said if Mr O'Farrell was serious about cleaning up the system he would
have told his MPs there would be no more fundraising, no more meeting with lobbyists and
no more banking of donation cheques.

"We obviously need someone to give the political lead in NSW and to stop the buck passing,"

she said.

AAP nr/evt/sn

KEYWORD: DONATIONS NSW

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