Graeme Orr writes for The Conversation. | Follow Graeme on Twitter
Money in electoral politics is like salt in the human body. Essential for activity – but too much imperils the heart.
Australia’s laws for the financing of national elections are the least developed of any comparable country. The present model marks its 40th birthday this year. In that time, other nations, and most Australian states, have modernised and tightened their laws.
Parliamentary committee recommendations that have just been released – with the endorsement of Labor, Greens and crossbench members – may be the catalyst for change.
What is the current regime? What reforms are proposed? And what are the prospects for lasting reform?
