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'Real-time' MP donations tracked in Qld

The Queensland government has announced a seven-day disclosure for political donations in the lead-up to the next state election

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Source: AAP


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The Queensland government has unveiled a "real-time" donation disclosure system in the lead-up to the next state election, but the opposition has raised concerns the system could still be exploited.

The system, which went live on Thursday, will show all donations to politicians of over $1000 within seven business days.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the "real-time" system was an Australian first.

"The public want to know who is donating to which political party, in what quantity and whether or not those donations are having any impact whatsoever on political decision making," Ms Palaszczuk told reporters on Thursday.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said under the previous six-monthly reporting system, the actual figures weren't known for up to nine months after the donations were made.

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"The reporting period of 1 July last year to December last year is still not actually tabled with the electoral commission," Ms D'Ath said.

"So we will go from waiting eight or nine months for these figures to waiting seven business days."

The government has opted for a seven-day grace period rather true "real-time" reporting to prevent "malicious" donations being made and to accommodate people who donated using cheques.

But Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said the system should truly real-time, or else it was still open to abuse.

"We know that Labor and the unions will do a secret deal, give a nod and a wink, and only give the money six days before (the election)" Mr Emerson claimed.

He said the opposition would abide by the changes, but wouldn't say if they had plans to repeal them if they take office.

The Electronic Disclosure System can be accessed through the Electoral Commission of Queensland website.

The announcement comes as speculation mounts about a possible date for the Queensland election, which is due by early next year but is widely expected to be announced later this year.


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