public funding of elections By. Chris Webster, Ashlee Watson, Bec McKemmish, Luke Kitchen and Amy Savage

What is public funding ? * Public funding is what Australian’s pay in their taxes that go towards election * Public funding was first introduced in Australia in NSW in 1981 and the amendment was passed in 1984 The public funding rate from 1st January 2009 to the 31st of June 2009 is $2.24 per eligible vote * Political parties only get election funding when their party gets at least 4% of first preference votes

Disadvantages (reasons to eliminate) The use of public funds to reimburse political parties is a threat to democracy, since it allows MP’s and parties to rely less on direct approaches to electors. Political parties only raid through the public’s piggybank to give themselves more money, not directly as salaries or allowances, but in a more subtle manner through increases in taxpayer funding of election campaigns or other expense refunds Public funding increases cost of campaigns by making it easier to spend money. Funding is based on votes received; it doesn’t level the playing field but merely amplifies existing advantages

Disadvantages (reasons to eliminate) Political donations can change the political process. Access is power and money buys access to politicians in our country Large donors can influence governmental decisions which benefit them and their companies Ordinary citizens don’t have access to this and leads to many feeling alienated from workings of government Donors believe it’s crucial to give large sums of money to political parties, especially to the party in power or likely to gain power in the near future

Advantages (Reasons to Keep) Reason to continue public funding is that if it is abolished, parties will have to fund their own elections and it wont be democratic as the wealthier parties will be able to afford better campaigns and more advertising. Easy to access what each party offers the public if they get elected.

Advantages (Reasons to Keep) “Evens the playing field” Divides money democratically Corporations money can benefit the country Allows for smaller parties to take on bigger parties Donations from corporations helps the government manipulate the economy

Advantages (Reasons to Keep) Since the government is accountable to the people, the money will be used how the people want it

Groups opinion From the information provided we believe that public funding of elections is important for democracy, as long as limitations exist to prevent abuse of this resource. Public funding allows the middle and lower classes of society to be equal with the upper classes to prevent a wealth based autocracy.