Daniel is on track to reach a target of $1.3 million in funds raised. She is running hard on issues around government integrity and transparency and is calling for a cap on campaign spending and disclosure for all political donations of more than $1000.
While declaring most of her donors,she is only requiring public disclosure of donations of more than $14,500,consistent with existing electoral laws. Donors who contribute $14,500 or less can remain anonymous. So far about $100,000 has been donated anonymously to her.
Daniel says that to require disclosure of all donations would disadvantage her campaign. “We’re doing things within the letter of the law,” she toldThe Age in March. “In my mind if it’s one rule for one it’s one rule for all.”
On this count,both the Victorian Greens and the federal branch of the ALP,who disclose all donations over $1000,are more transparent than both main Goldstein candidates.
Daniel’s biggest donor,with a contribution of almost $460,000 is fundraising body Climate 200,convened by clean energy investor,Simon Holmes a Court. He has highlighted that independents’ income and spending will be only a fraction of the major parties’ and that incumbent MPs have big advantages including taxpayer resources including staff,offices and cars.
Daniel is much more transparent than Wilson. Her website is updated weekly and lists all donations and all donors contributing more than $14,500 and many contributing less.