A new disclosure and funding system for Tasmanian elections has been approved with the passing of the Electoral Disclosure and Funding Bill 2022 in Parliament.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said the Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to ensuring Tasmanians have confidence in our electoral system.
“We are working tirelessly to make sure our electoral system is fair, transparent, effective and contemporary, and this Bill is an important step towards achieving this,” said the Attorney-General.
“The passing of the Bill fulfils another important commitment of our Government to ensure that the public continues to have confidence in the outcomes of elections into the future.”
The Electoral Disclosure and Funding Bill 2022 provides for the disclosure of political donations and reporting of electoral expenditure.
It also provides public funding at an appropriate level for both administrative and ‘per vote’ funding in relation to candidates for the House of Assembly.
“The Bill brings Tasmania in line with other jurisdictions which have state-based requirements for the disclosure of political donations and electoral expenditure by candidates, registered parties, associated entities and third-party campaigners,” said the Attorney-General.
“We are committed to listening to the people of Tasmania in all that we do.
“The Bill was the subject of an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process and the feedback received informed the version of the Bill that was presented to Parliament.
“It confirms our commitment to a fairer, more transparent and modern electoral system for our State.
“It is now the task of the Tasmanian Electoral Commission and other relevant entities to prepare for the implementation of these major reforms, including the systems and process to support the new funding and disclosure regime.
“Our government through the Department of Justice will monitor the progress of the Tasmanian Electoral Commission in implementing these reforms and provide the necessary support to assist it in this task.”
The Electoral Matters (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2022 (No. 26) also passed making a number of changes to modernise the Electoral Act 2004 and related legislation.
