New law to scrap political donation cap

The Queensland government has introduced new laws that will abolish Labor's caps on political donations and force people to produce ID when voting.

Sweeping changes to Queensland's electoral system that will scrap caps on political donations have been introduced in parliament.

The new laws have been referred to parliament's legal affairs committee and will come back before the house next year.

Political donation caps will be scrapped and only donations of more than $12,400 will have to be disclosed, under the changes.

Public funding for political parties will also be slashed with the introduction of a system that allocates a dollar amount per vote for parties.

Queenslanders will also need ID to vote, while those with disabilities may be able to cast their vote online for the 2015 election.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie says the changes will give candidates greater clarity in the 2015 election campaign.

However, unions have warned that lifting a cap on political donations in Queensland will give the rich greater political influence.

Labor had restricted donations to political parties at $5000, and candidates at $2000, per donor.


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Source: AAP


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