Labor and Coalition close to deal on controversial electoral reforms
For months, Labor has been seeking a deal with the opposition and cutting out the crossbench.
The major parties are edging closer to a deal on Labor’s controversial electoral reforms, which independents claim is designed to stack the deck against them.
Independents have accused Special Minister of State Don Farrell of locking them out of negotiations for months, with Labor instead seeking opposition backing for what he frames as a “once in a generation reform”.
The bill includes the first federal caps on donations and candidate spending, faster mandated disclosures, and additional public funding for incumbent MPs.
While Farrell argues it would curb the influence of billionaires like Clive Palmer, crossbenchers have lashed it as major party “stitch-up” designed to slow the rise of independents.
