Fed: Inquiry to look at ALP fundraising

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2000
Fed: Inquiry to look at ALP fundraising

A Labor Party fundraising dinner is to be investigated by a parliamentary committee
over claims it deliberately tried to avoid electoral laws.

Special Minister of State CHRIS ELLISON says he's referred the GOUGH WHITLAM tribute
dinner to the joint committee on electoral matters.

The Bulletin magazine this week said the ALP used a professional fundraiser to run
the dinner and auction.

The magazine says $227,000 was raised, with guests bidding between $5,000 and $55,000
for auction items.

Under electoral laws, the identity of any person or company donating more than $1,500
to a political party must be identified.

But because the dinner and auction were conducted by a private fundraising company,
those who bought items can remain anonymous.

Senator ELLISON says the ALP deliberately attempted to avoid the disclosure of political
donations, circumventing the intention of the Commonwealth Electoral Act.

AAP RTV jg/mfh/et/jn

KEYWORD: FUNDRAISING (CANBERRA)

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