Inquiry into Administrative Funding for Minor Parties

During the 55th Parliament, the Government has introduced a number of reforms. One such reform saw the introduction of the Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Amendment Act 2012 which amended the Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Act 1981 ('the Act') to prevent political donations from sources other than individuals, including corporations, industrial organisations, peak industry groups, religious institutions and community organisations. The Committee has taken evidence concerning the onerous impact the 2011 amendments have had on minor parties in New South Wales. The Committee has also heard evidence about the associated administrative impact the reforms have had those minor parties. The Administration Fund is managed by section 97E of the Act. The purpose of the Fund is to ameliorate the impact of reforms, such as the changes that followed the implementation of the 2012 amendments to the Act on eligible parties in New South Wales. The Administration Fund provides funding to parties in circumstances where those parties would attract fewer political donations but still require funds to operate. The purpose of this Inquiry has been to ascertain whether the annual amount distributed from the Administration Fund to eligible minor parties remains appropriate.