HERE’S HOW WE FIGHT BACK
The following is shared from the GetUp website – see link below.
GetUp! – This isn’t how democracy should work
This isn’t how democracy should work
A major party stitch-up is unfolding right now
Within hours, Labor and the Coalition could lock in a backroom deal that cements their dominance –shutting out independents and everyday people from fair elections.
This bill was meant to clean up politics – introducing stronger transparency measures like lowering the donation disclosure threshold and measures to curb the influence of Big Money on elections.
But instead of proper public scrutiny and real debate, Labor and the Coalition are rushing through changes that weaken key reforms while protecting their own interests. This bill doubles the donation cap to $40,000 and keeps loopholes that let major parties shift their $90 million war chest while independents are capped at $800,000 per seat.
This isn’t what we were promised. Labor is cutting a deal with Dutton that benefits major parties while locking out challengers.
Here’s the thing: MPs and Senators can ignore emails, but they can’t ignore their phones ringing off the hook.
Will you call your Labor Senator now and tell them: Stop the stitch-up – send this bill to an inquiry before it’s too late.
WHAT SHALL I SAY?
Right now, major parties and their donors have all the influence behind closed doors – but when enough everyday people pick up the phone, it reminds our leaders that democracy belongs to all of us. Hearing directly from voters makes an impact in a way emails and petitions alone cannot.
Your call will likely be answered by a staffer who will log your message and pass it on. You don’t need to be an expert – you just simply need to be a voter who cares about fair elections and a stronger democracy.
Here’s a simple script you can use: “Hi, my name is [Your name], and I’m calling because I’m deeply concerned about the rushed vote on the electoral reform bill. I appreciate that the bill introduces important transparency measures and aims to limit big money in politics – these are necessary reforms. But the way this bill is being rushed through without proper public scrutiny means major flaws remain. Instead of fixing the system, this deal doubles the donation cap to $40,000, keeping big money in the game while locking independents into unfair spending caps that give major parties a massive advantage. I urge [Senator’s Name] to stop the rush and send this bill to an inquiry so these issues can be properly examined before it’s too late.”
A flood of calls from voters today could mean the difference between a rushed vote and real reform.
WHAT IS THIS CAMPAIGN ALL ABOUT?
The Government’s Electoral Reform Bill could be a turning point for Australian democracy – we need to get it right.
For decades, Big Money has distorted our politics, and this reform risks entrenching the power of major parties while unfairly burdening everyday Australians who power grassroots campaigns.
On the final sitting day of Parliament in 2024, Labor stepped back from its flawed Electoral Reform Bill, halting a rushed process that threatened to weaken our democracy. Thanks to the collective power of allies in the movement and everyday people like you who took action, we now have a critical window before the vote tomorrow to demand reforms that truly work for everyone.
This February sitting period we know Labor and the Coalition have been in negotitaions – it’s also a warning that a major party stitch up is on the table.
The Liberal Party has been pushing to rewrite the rules to favour wealthy donors—seeking higher donation caps and legal loopholes that could kill reforms in court before they even take effect.
This isn’t real reform. It’s a reshuffle that protects the status quo while sidelining independent voices and community-led campaigns.
Our democracy deserves better. Together, we’re calling for:
- Participatory fairness: Ensure grassroots donors aren’t unfairly burdened by excessive regulations and red tape.
- Transparent elections: Donation caps that can stop corporations and wealthy elites from buying influence in elections.
- Leveled playing field: Close donation and spending loopholes so that Independents and new challengers have a fair chance.
- Honest campaign: Demand truth in political advertising to protect a robust democracy.
Now is the time to fight for reforms that serve everyone—not just the wealthy few. By taking action today, you’re standing up for grassroots voices and the future of our democracy.