Australia considers ban on foreign political donations in response to deepening concerns about Chinese influence
Prime Minister Turnbull advocates more transparency in Australian politics, pointing to multiple allegations of Russian interference in US President Trump’s election
With concerns over Chinese political influence in Australia and Russian interference in the US presidential election, an Australian parliamentary committee on Friday recommended a ban on political donations from foreign companies and individuals.
Unlike the US and many other countries that ban foreign donations, Australian law has never distinguished between donors from Australia and overseas.
But the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters recommended a ban on foreign donations to registered political parties and associated entities.
The Australian people must be confident that our electoral process is free from foreign intervention
“It is a matter of national sovereignty that only Australians should have the power to influence Australian politics and elections,” said committee chair Linda Reynolds.
The opposition rejected the committee’s recommendation that the ban should also apply to environmental and activist groups involved in politics.
Former President Barack Obama’s administration last year called for the Australian system to be reformed to remove the influence of Chinese political donations. China is Australia’s most lucrative trading partner and largest source of foreign political funds.
In September, then-ambassador John Berry said the US was surprised by the amount of Chinese money and influence in Australian politics and wanted Australia to resolve the issue.