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Cash for Access

Posted by: Bob Maumill | 23 June, 2009 - 11:43 AM
Bob's Blog If lending the Prime Minister a second hand Ute, with no favours given, is a scandal, then what about donations of cash and services given to political parties?

What about those millions that business and individuals donate to campaigns of political parties and politicians?

And consider the way parties and politicians leave loopholes in legislation so that donors who want anonymity get it.

And lets not forget those $1000 a ticket breakfast or lunch or dinner functions where those who can afford it, get access to ministers.

And then there are those political coteries where the well heeled, buy their way in, and have regular access to high powered political guest speakers including Prime Ministers and Ministers.

Our system of political donations invites malpractice and “cash for access.”

“Cash for access” is a major fund raising exercise practiced by both major parties.

For years the wealthy and well connected have been using financial donations and the inflated price of a ticket to eat in the same room as political heavyweights and to gain access when the mingling process starts.

Then there are the invitations to corporate boxes at the football or races or golf or cricket. Nice way to get access, great way to get the ear of the powerful.

It’s been going on for years.

The big parties exploit the system that’s why Utegate is a beat up and a farce.

Blog comments Your Say

  • Dear Bob,
    I think it is the possible misleading of parliament that is the salient feature of utegate and therefore it hardly qualifies for your characterization of it as "a beat up and a farce".

    Regards
    Patrick

    patrick Thursday 25 June, 2009 - 3:02 PM
  • Hi Bob,

    Politicans and there sidekicks are famous for one thing and one thing only.
    They have the ability to get people to vote for them.
    NOTHING ELSE

    Grant

    Grant Thursday 25 June, 2009 - 1:41 PM

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