Under the proposal,the $4320 donation cap would only be enforced once an independent reached the $250,000 mark.
Despite the success of “teal independents” at last year’s federal election,which did not limit the size of donations,the number of independents in Victoria went backwards at the November state election. Suzanna Sheed lost the seat of Shepparton and Ali Cupper was overcome in Mildura,while independent candidates failed in Liberal heartland seats in Melbourne.
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“What would[parliament] look like with a level playing field? It might look very different,” Hawthorn independent challenger Melissa Lowe said.
November was the first time Victoria’s sweeping new campaign rules – which limited donors to providing a maximum of $4320 over four years – were tested at an election. The donation cap applies to everyone butmajor parties still reap public funding and unlimited cash from nominated and associated entities.
“This limits the ability[of independents] to fundraise and compete financially with the major parties whose campaigns are predominately financed outside of the cap,allowing major party candidates to easily outspend independent challengers,” the joint submission said.
Former MPs Sheed and Cupper signed up to the joint submission,along with challengers Lowe,Brighton’s Felicity Frederico,Mornington’s Kate Lardner,Kew’s Sophie Torney,Jacqui Hawkins in Benambra,Ian Birchall in Melton,Nicole Seymour from Rowville and Carol Altmann in the South-West Coast electorate.