Response to CCC Recommendations

The following statements can be attributed to Chris Mountford, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council, in response to today’s release of the CCC’s Belcarra report recommendations:

“While the Property Council does not donate to any political party, we take the view that regardless of occupation or sector, people should be treated equally under the law.”

“There are many sectors and interests that are impacted by government policy, regulation, tenders or subsidy and the community should rightly expect that political donations do not distort decision making in any area. Queensland has a world class anti-corruption body and quite rightly, it will throw the book at any elected official or business person who seeks to use donations to distort decision making.”

“All businesses, environmental groups, community groups and unions should be treated the same when it comes to donations. If we start singling out individuals or groups, where will it end, and how will the community have confidence that the definitions and delineations are relevant.” 

“We are certainly open to changes aimed at ensuring community confidence is in the political system is strengthened. But in the interest of community confidence, these rules should apply to all, not just some.”