The Greens Want To Ban Fossil Fuel Companies From Donating To Australian Political Parties

The Australian Greens have outlined a plan to ban fossil fuel companies from donating to political parties.

The Australian Electoral Commission revealed coal, gas and oil companies shelled out huge amounts of money between 2020 to 2021.

The Liberal Party copped the biggest slice of the fossil fuel pie, with more than $500,000 in donations going their way.

Renewables campaign group 350 explained how Labor received nearly $400,000 and the Nationals received a little less than $60,000.

It's a practice that Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters wants to end for good.

Speaking to Radio National, the deputy Greens leader said: "They're donating in spades.

"It's no wonder that people think that politicians are for sale when you see the volume - the millions of dollars that goes into the pockets of both sides of politics - from the coal, gas, and oil companies.

"There's a real perception, and frankly I think it's a reality, that you get what you pay for.

"And that's why big fossil fuel companies should not be allowed to buy the policy outcomes that suit their profits, particularly in a climate crisis.

"With an election coming up, people deserve to know in real time who's paying for what."

Interestingly, 350 notes how Empire Energy donated $40,000 to the Liberal Party and $25,000 to Labor in the Northern Territory. Coincidentally, the company then copped $21 million of tax payer dollars to frack the Beetaloo Basin.

The Guardian reports the fossil fuel industry has doubled its donations to the major parties between 2016 to 2020.

The Greens will be taking their 'democracy is not for sale' policy to the next federal election and promises to ban political donations from these types of companies if they win.

The party's website explains how donations over the years have totalled millions of dollars.

"Money shouldn't be able to buy political influence, access or policy outcomes," The Greens write. "The laws on political donations need to be cleaned up, just like the old polluting industries that exploit them.

"Over the last 3 years that the Liberals have accepted $2,365,250, Labor have accepted $1,108,528, and the Nationals have accepted $221,787 from fossil fuel companies.

"That's almost $3.7 million of dirty money that influences politicians' judgment when debating crucial issues like global warming and clean energy."

But The Greens also have their eyes set on political donations from other companies.

Their Donations Reform Bill would also see political donations from mining, development, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, banking, defence and pharmaceutical industries banned.

Donations from individuals, unions and charities would also be limited to $1,000 or less each year.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Australia