The Albanese Labor Government has just cut a deal with the Coalition to pass
the most significant changes to Australia’s electoral laws in over 40 years—but
instead of strengthening democracy, this legislation entrenches the dominance
of the major parties and locks out Independents and new competitors.
This stitch up means that amid a cost-of-living crisis the Australian public will
be paying more for elections, in return for less choice.
The bill dramatically increases public funding, doubling taxpayer money per
vote from $2.91 to $5, costing Australians an extra $40 million—76% of which
will flow straight to Labor and the Coalition.
Meanwhile, it imposes strict campaign spending caps on Independents while
allowing major parties to exploit loopholes to pour millions into key
electorates.
Under the new rules, all an Independent’s campaign materials—posters, ads,
or billboards—would count towards the cap, while major party branding on
billboards, leaflets and ads would not. This deliberate imbalance ensures that
Labor and the Coalition maintain a financial stranglehold over elections.
Given that these changes won’t even take effect until 2026, there is no
justification for the urgency—except that the major parties are desperate to
consolidate their cosy duopoly before more Independents gain traction. In that
context this is a deliberate subversion of the will of the voting public.
Meanwhile, the one electoral reform Australians actually want—truth in
political advertising—remains parked. The major parties are rushing to lock in
extra taxpayer funding for themselves but won’t lift a finger to stop lies in
election campaigns.
This is nothing more than a cynical power grab by the Canberra cartel.
Australians deserve real electoral reform—one that levels the playing field,
increases transparency, and stops big money from distorting our democracy.
The fight for a fairer political system is far from over.
Quotes from Zoe Daniel
1. On the Major Party Power Grab:
“I support electoral reform on a level playing field, but this is nothing
more than a cynical power grab by the Canberra cartel. Instead of
making politics fairer and more transparent, this bill cements the
dominance of Labor and the Coalition while locking out Independents
and everyday Australians from having a real say in their democracy. I
hope voters remember it when they get to the ballot box.”
2. On the Lack of Scrutiny and Transparency:
“If this was about fairer elections and the public interest why the urgency
when the changes won’t even apply until 2026? The answer is simple:
this is about consolidating a cosy duopoly before more Independents can
challenge the system.
Key Facts:
The bill dramatically increases public funding, doubling taxpayer money per
vote from $2.91 to $5, costing Australians an extra $40 million—76% of whichwill flow straight to Labor and the Coalition.
Under the new rules, all an Independent’s campaign materials—posters, ads,
or billboards—would count towards the cap, while major party branding on
billboards, leaflets and ads would not. This deliberate imbalance ensures that
Labor and the Coalition maintain a financial stranglehold over elections.
Contact details:
Francis Leach
0409 947 180
francis.leach@aph.gov.au
