Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): My question is again to the Premier. Why did the Premier direct the Labor Party to give the money to the CFMEU instead of to a domestic violence charity?

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:23): Thank you to the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I made pretty clear, as this issue started to emerge, a number of things. The first thing is that if there was any evidence of the CFMEU not behaving consistent with the standards that we on this side of the chamber in the Labor Party believe to be true, then I will be instructing the party office to pay that money back.

The state executive considered that recommendation from myself, and I am very glad they acted accordingly, and the money has now been returned. That happened subsequent to evidence presenting itself that there were actions from CFMEU officials that we deemed and I certainly did not believe to be appropriate, and we gave them the choice—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Unley is warned. The Premier has the call.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: —and we acted. The issue of donations to political parties is one that I have a long held interest in. I have been an advocate for a sustained period of time that donation reform—in fact electoral funding reform—is something that is worthy of pursuit, and I think South Australia has an opportunity, if not an obligation, to lead. Our state has an extraordinary track record of advancing the democratic cause, being at the front end of reform that changes the way democracies and elections operate on the side of not just public transparency but also upholding the best traditions of integrity, which is why I went to the last election with a policy to ban political donations.

The SPEAKER: Point of order from the member for Morialta.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Standing order 98: the Premier is now straying a long way from the specific question about why—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: —the Labor Party gave money to the CFMEU and not to a domestic violence charity.

The SPEAKER: I will listen carefully. I bring the Premier to the question.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS: We went to the election with a very clear policy that we are committed to banning political donations, whether they be from unions or from businesses. I see that as being yet another demonstration of South Australia leading the way in terms of positive democratic reform.

I think that elections should be determined principally by the calibre of the candidates and the virtue of the policy that is presented to the electorate. It shouldn't be based on an arms race that necessitates an extraordinary amount of effort on behalf of politicians—which happens on both sides of the political divide—investing in a lot of effort and time in fundraising. I think that is effort and time that should be invested in developing policy, listening to community members and engaging with stakeholders; that is the best use of our time. This is a policy that we will pursue and I look forward to legislation being introduced into parliament, all being well during the course of the next calendar year to achieve that end.