News

News features recent events of interest in politics and local issues in Jagajaga.

How the New Electoral Funding Laws Gag Debate on Climate Policy

New electoral funding laws were introduced by Labor and Liberal under bipartisan support which limits discussion on “electoral matters” like their climate policies, effectively gagging discussion on climate issues during an election. The Climate Council have something to say about this, which you can read here Politicians Kneecap Charities in Climate Electoral Power Grab. What is worse is that these new funding laws give relaxed restrictions on big fossil fuel promotors like the Mineral Council of Australia, which one can only surmise is because they provide lucrative donations to both Liberal and Labor Parties.

Moreover, the new laws limit the amount of money that Independents can raise for their political campaigns but does not limit political parties the same way. Parties have a $90 million limit across the nation but which can be spent anywhere, such as in marginal seats, greatly improving their chances of re-election. The JuiceMedia have published an “Honest Government Ad”, which is a satirical look at these new policies.

Four Corners: Party Crashers

Starting at 8:30 pm Monday 3 February on ABC TV and iView, Four Corners will discuss the rise of Community Independents in Australia and the general disaffection of Australians with the two Party political system. The episode includes an interview with Alex Dyson who is challenging the long-held Liberal seat of Wannon in Western Victoria. Wannon is one of four seats featuring in the episode, highlighting how voters are turning off the major parties. 

This shows the power of the Community Independents movement, which has made this former safe Liberal seat firmly at play this election.