“We’re not going to tie our own hands behind our back,we have taken the first step,we have done what no major political party has done and put the names on a website,” he said.
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Mr Holmes à Court said if the major parties reduce the political donation disclosure limit to $1000,Climate 200 will immediately do the same. Currently,donations of up to $14,500 can remain anonymous. He defendedindependent Warringah MP Zali Steggall who this week conceded she made a “rookie” administrative error in recordingdonations totalling $100,000 from the family of coal millionaireJohn Kinghorn during the 2019 election campaign.
Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie,who disclosed on his website a $28,000 donation from Climate 200,said the organisation was nothing more than a funding instrument and he had never discussed political views with Mr Holmes à Court.
“I have not been asked for anything in return,and nor would I agree to do so if asked. The donation was certainly not on the condition that I endorse any particular policy,” Mr Wilkie said.
Independent Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie,who represents the seat of Mayo in South Australia,said she had accepted a “no-strings” donation from Climate 200 for the coming election and would disclose it appropriately. She said the only MP she shared resources with was her colleague Senator Stirling Griff.
“Mr Holmes à Court is entitled to have his own views on the major parties but his opinions have no bearing on my actions or operation as a Member of Parliament,” Ms Sharkie said.
“While many of my positions on climate change,integrity in politics and gender equality are aligned with those of Climate 200,we do not and have never coordinated our policies with the movement.”
The Climate 200 movement had raised more than $7 million through 10,000 donations from 8000 members,Mr Holmes à Court told the Press Club. He said he had contributed 2.5 per cent of total funding.
Allegra Spender,who is campaigning to unseat Liberal Dave Sharma in the eastern Sydney electorate of Wentworth,said she received financial support from Climate 200.
“I make all my own policy decisions and do not consult on policy with any other candidate or any other group,” she said.
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Former ABC journalist Zoe Daniel,who is challenging Liberal MP Tim Wilson in the seat of Goldstein,said the majority of her campaign was funded by the community.
“Climate 200 is also a donor. There is no policy direction taken from Climate 200 whatsoever,” Ms Daniel said.
Ms Steggall said she had not received any donations or campaign support from Climate 200.
“I have openly shared my experiences and learnings to C200 and community independent groups to encourage others to get into politics,” Ms Steggall said.
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