Media
For all media enquiries please email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699.
Recent media statements
3 June 2019
The Electoral Commissioner of Queensland, Mr Pat Vidgen, will allow political parties to return those donations ruled unlawful by the High Court of Australia in the case Spence vs State of Queensland, subject to strict conditions. These conditions act to uphold the State’s electoral laws which ban political donations by property developers and their close associates. Should any party fail to comply with all conditions, the Electoral Commissioner reserves the right to take further action to recover unlawful donations as a debt to the State. A full statement of reasons PDF (0.06 MB) for the Electoral Commissioner’s decision in this matter is available.
ENDS
Media contact: Nicole Butler
17 May 2019
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is currently considering the High Court’s reasons for its ruling in the case of Spence v State of Queensland. The reasons were published this week to explain the High Court’s decision to uphold the Queensland ban on political donations by property developers, while striking out amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act that impacted on the State’s ban. Those amendments had sought to allow Queensland political parties to accept property developer donations that may be used for federal purposes. Given the complexity of the legal circumstances, the ECQ is obtaining further advice and carefully considering the impact of the ruling on any donations received by political parties that are now regarded as unlawful. As soon as possible, the ECQ will formally advise all registered political parties of any action that may be required to ensure they comply with the High Court decision.
ENDS
Media contact: Nicole Butler