AdCommentOur SayCommentOur SayNews HomeNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive

PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Comment/Our

SayDonations of differing political persuasionsFebruary 3 2017 - 6:00amFebruary 3 2017 - 6:00amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopy Even at the best of times, the phrase “political donation” has

a somewhat mendacious undertone to it.

political persuasions Large companies or wealthy individuals donating large sums of money to a political party can often be perceived by the public as somewhat unsavoury.

On the odd occasion, there’s a perception that there can be strings attached.

Sometimes, people will donate money to a cause – because they genuinely believe in what that party stands for.

But one would have to be naive to believe that some of the time, there are other motives at play – they are hoping to push an agenda, win favour or sway opinion.

This week it emerged that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull donated $1.75 million of his own wealth back to the federal Liberal Party.

Nothing wrong with that in any way. Besides, the first $1500 is tax deductible.

He’s more than entitled to do so. It’s his money, it’s his party and obviously he believes in what they stand for. That said, it’s still a large sum of money. Too much perhaps? 

So what does the public make of other companies and groups donating large sums of money to campaigns or spending huge amounts campaigning to – sometimes – further their own cause?

What about trade unions? What about groups such as GetUp! Or mining tycoons? Or at a state level, a gambling company.

Quite often, as was the case with GetUp! at last year’s federal election, the public is blissfully unaware of the sheer scope of those donations, which is said to be in the vicinity of $10

million.

GetUp! campaigned heavily in the seat of Bass against then incumbent Liberal Andrew Nikolic on issues such as health and education.

Mr Nikolic was particularly scathing in his assessment of GetUp’s involvement in his campaign loss – or at least his perception of the level of their involvement.

His opponents say there were more pertinent issues relating to the MHR’s loss to Labor’s Ross Hart.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit, it still raises the question: should there be more transparency surrounding political donations, as well as the motives and tactics used by all

political and non-political parties during an election campaign?

It’s difficult to find a valid argument against any of those questions.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from Our SayThe people behind the Aussie good lifeNo commentsAlbo uninspiring, Dutton unconvincing as underwhelmed Aussie voters say 'meh'No

commentsTravel warnings should give us pauseNo commentsNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News