From: AAP June 15, 2011
AUSTRALIAN Greens Leader Bob Brown has introduced a bill to parliament calling for a ban on political donations from big tobacco companies.
Senator Brown said his draft laws would make it illegal for political parties or candidates to accept a gift from manufacturers or wholesalers of tobacco products.
It would also introduce new, related offences.
“There should be public funding of elections to eliminate corporate funding, with the exception of small donations by individuals,” he said today.
“Donations by tobacco companies are particularly insidious, peddling death.
“Public health is at risk if we continue to allow big tobacco to exert influence over our policy making.”
Debate on the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Tobacco Industry Donations) Bill 2011 was adjourned.