Prohibited Donor Legislation Declared

Legislation banning political donations from ‘property developers’ in Queensland came into effect on 2 October 2018. However, the prohibition has retrospective effect from 12 October 2017.

The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has released a number of factsheets outlining information on the definitions that will be used to determine prohibited donors.

The application process for individuals and entities to seek a determination from the Electoral Commission in relation to their status is also now open.

Further guidance material is expected to be available on the ECQ’s Prohibited Donor Scheme website in coming days.

The Property Council has strongly opposed the legislation on the basis that it singles out the property sector for inequitable treatment under electoral laws, and unduly brands Queensland’s biggest non-government employer as a corruption risk. A number of concerns with the definition and provisions proposed within the Bill have also been highlighted by the Property Council, including significant flaws and ambiguity with the definition of a ‘property developer’.