Candidates taking part in the Queensland election have been reminded that funding and disclosure compliance laws apply and are scrutinised year-round, not just during election periods.
Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ), Pat Vidgen said the CommissQ monitored compliance, investigated suspected breaches and, if found, enforced penalties according to the law.
“There are significant penalties for breaches of electoral disclosure laws, including a maximum penalty for knowingly making or accepting a prohibited donation of a $53,380 fine, or two years’ imprisonment,” Mr Vidgen said.
“I remind candidates, political parties, third parties and associated entities that the law applies 24 hours per day, seven days per week and 365 days per year. Actions taken within the election period are still answerable beyond the declaring of the election.”
He said property developers had to remember they were prohibited donors and it was an offence to donate to a registered political party.
“If anyone is unsure whether a business is a prohibited donor or a close associate, they can apply to the ECQ for a determination, or individuals can use the ECQ’s self-assessment tool available on our website,” Mr Vidgen said.
“I strongly advise anyone who is unsure about their status to ask for a determination by the ECQ well before donating.”
Mr Vidgen said the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) recently issued an open letter to candidates citing key recommendations from its Operation Belcarra including a ban on donations from property developers.
“I would reiterate the CCC’s request that candidates are vigilant in ensuring their actions do not compromise their integrity, so that confidence is maintained in our political and democratic processes,” he said.
“If evidence of a breach is provided to the ECQ either through referrals or discovered via self-generated audits, the ECQ will launch a confidential investigation,” he said.
