Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: The Christian Democratic Party supports the Developer Donations (Anti-corruption) Bill but there are some aspects of the bill with which we are not satisfied. I regard the objects of the bill, which will amend the Election Funding Act, as a step in the right direction. We support the move to prohibit major developers and persons found guilty of offences involving bribery and corruption, from making political contributions. However, I find the bill very elitist and selective. It is an absolute shame that none of the Christian Democratic Party members have ever been approached by huge developers with large donations! There is something wrong with the system if they do not attempt to bribe us! But in spite of these deficiencies we have played the game with a straight bat and have disclosed every major development company that has provided us with any kind of political donation or act of bribery! I am sorry there have not been more, because our total number is zilch and I feel discriminated against! If any company would like to help us out I would gratefully receive their invitation to have a discussion! Notwithstanding that, we will support the bill.

Thursday, 11th March, 2004, 4:42 pm | Articles