High Court rules against NSW Government

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Darin Sullivan in Earth

Story via: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

High Court rules against NSW Government’s electoral donation laws after union challenge – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation).

High Court rules against NSW Government’s electoral donation laws after union challenge

The High Court has upheld a union challenge to the New South Wales Government’s electoral donation laws.

In February 2012, the O’Farrell Government amended the Electoral Funding Act, banning political donations from groups unless the donor is an individual enrolled to vote.

Unions NSW launched a challenge to the laws, arguing that donations are a form of political freedom and that a ban is unconstitutional.

The union challenge was supported by five unions, while the NSW Government was backed by all coalition state governments and the Commonwealth.

In a unanimous decision, the High Court has found that the laws are invalid because they burden the implied freedom of communication on governmental and political matters, contrary to the Commonwealth constitution.

The court did accept that the Act had general anti-corruption purposes.

Unions New South Wales says it is back to the drawing board for the State Government after the High Court decision.

Mark Morey from Unions NSW says the decision is beyond their wildest dreams.

allows people to participate,” he said.