Premier Iemma's reputation on political donation reform in tatters

Premier Morris Iemma's reputation as the leader who can deliver political funding reform is in tatters following the launch of possibly Labor's most extravagant fundraising program, Greens MP and donation spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said today.

"Labor's latest fundraising venture with some wealthy corporate donors paying up to $100,000 to access government ministers reveals that Premier Iemma lacks the conviction to introduce real donation reform," Ms Rhiannon said.

"If the Premier is sincere about political donation reform he should instruct the NSW Labor Party to cancel these events and to stop banking cheques from corporations and other organisations.

"Much of the money raised at these lavish fundraising events will be used for Labor's 2008 local government elections.

"Weak disclosure laws mean we will not know who has donated until February 2009, long after the elections.

"Each Labor event in this latest fund raising program could bankroll a Labor local government campaign in a marginal council area.

"After all the bad news stories out of Wollongong these fund raising events send a clear message to developers that it is business as usual for Labor and their developer mates.

"With urban and coastal planning booming developers will be falling over themselves to buy a seat at the table of Planning Minister Frank Sartor.

"It is a betrayal of the expectations that Labor created following the Wollongong scandal when the Premier promised to introduce donation reform in time for this year's council elections.

"Mr Iemma has shown blatant contempt for the community by allowing this Labor fundraising spree to take place at this time.

"The Premier is so arrogant that he cannot perceive the hypocrisy of his actions and the community backlash his actions generate, " Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information:9230 3551, 0427 861 568

[via Lee Rhiannon MLC Media Release Monday 26 May 2008 link]