Melbourne council unanimously supports register of donation disclosure

Melbourne City Council has voted to set up a register to declare donations above $500. 

Cr Stephen Mayne told Tom Elliott the motion went far above current State and Federal provisions, which he described as a ‘joke’.

‘It’s all voluntary, but it was heartening that it was unanimously supported,’ Cr Mayne said.

He said the council cannot make law, so it could only be done on a voluntary basis, but said media scrutiny will discourage councillors from refusing to disclose.

‘It’ll be a brave candidate who doesn’t comply.’

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Earlier, Councillor Jackie Watts told Tom why she was moving the motion.

Ms Watts agreed that more donations made from companies and developers to prospective councillors needed to be made public.

‘Because nobody gives money without some expectation,’ Ms Watts said on 3AW Drive.

‘I think we need to nip this in the bud.’

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