03 August 2009
Property developers have backed Queensland Premier Anna Blighs push for a national ban on political donations. Aaron Gadiel, chief executive of the Urban Taskforce, said the industry had been pushing for a ban for several years.
Weve consistently argued for a national blanket ban on political donations that does not single out any section of society for special treatment, Mr Gadiel said.
A ban on political donations will, once and for all, remove any perception of favouritism in all areas of government decision-making, including tender processes, licensing, approvals and board appointments.
Political donations should be banned outright from everyone, including the mining and petroleum sectors, the timber industry, the gun lobby, environmental campaigners and other interest groups.
A total, national ban would boost community confidence in the political system.
Political parties should be funded by their own members and a public funding formula tied to election results.
Anna Bligh should be congratulated for taking a strong position on this critical issue.
Anna Blighs tough stand follows a call by former NSW Premier Morris Iemma for a complete ban on political donations. That call was also backed by the Urban Taskforce.
The Urban Taskforce is a property development industry group, representing Australias most prominent property developers and equity financiers.
For every $1 million in construction expenditure, 27 jobs are created throughout the broader economy. The construction activity made possible by property developers contributes $69 billion to the national economy each year and creates 709,000 direct jobs. The construction industry is Australias third largest source of employment.
