Victoria to allow $15,000 political donations for new candidates under electoral changes

Victoria is set to raise its cap on political donations to $7,500 per donor over a four-year term, a move Premier Jacinta Allan says will ensure "Victorians, not who has the deepest pockets" decide elections. New candidates will be permitted to fundraise up to $15,000 over the same period, a measure Allan described as helping them "get a foothold."

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Victoria's elections should be decided by Victorians, not who has the deepest pockets.

These changes come after the High Court invalidated parts of the state's electoral act, leading to a six-month period with no donation rules. The ruling benefited independent candidates who argued the previous laws favored major parties. Under the new legislation, major parties will have to refund unspent funds received from "nominated entities" after April 15.

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Public funding is core to free and fair elections. We're restoring it.

All donations from foreign entities will be prohibited. "Public funding is core to free and fair elections. We're restoring it," Allan stated, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and fairness. However, Shadow Attorney General James Newbury accused the Labor government of "rigging the system" and introducing "unconstitutional" laws during a cost-of-living crisis.

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This government is seeking to introduce a set of electoral and donations laws that are rigging the system.

The government anticipates the legislation will pass the upper house with crossbench support. The proposed laws aim to restore public confidence in the electoral process, ensuring that outcomes are determined by voters rather than significant financial contributions. The Liberal Party had previously sought a higher donation cap if their access to the Cormack Foundation was limited.

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We believe, as a Coalition, that these proposed laws are unconstitutional.