From the Valley Times on August 28th, 2008
GREENS candidates standing for Canterbury Council say campaign contributions from developers and other corporations are destroying community confidence in local government.
Linda Eisler and Bashir Sawalha have challenged candidates to refuse corporate and developer funding, saying that the recent ICAC inquiry into Wollongong Council and its Labor councillors has shown that political donations invite corruption.
Ms Eisler, the Mayoral and East Ward candidate, said both major parties are still blocking Green efforts to secure a ban.
“Developers who donate get preferential treatment, and the public clearly sees this practice as corrupt,” she said.
“Despite this, our electoral laws allow developers and other corporations to donate to parties, and allow those parties to hide these donations.”
Ms Eisler said The Greens do not accept donations from corporations or organisations – only accepting support from individuals.
Central Ward candidate Mr Sawalha said that even if no corrupt behaviour follows, it’s the community perception that matters.
