Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Banning Dirty Donations) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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2. Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Senator Steph Hodgins-May moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to ban political donations from specific industries and cap individual contributions. The legislation targets sectors including fossil fuels, banking, defence, pharmaceuticals, liquor, tobacco, and gambling, arguing that their donations compromise democratic integrity. Hodgins-May cited evidence of corporate influence on policy outcomes and low public trust in parliament. The debate was adjourned after the senator sought leave to continue remarks later.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned after the senator sought leave to continue remarks later.

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3. Thursday 14 May 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Banning Dirty Donations) Bill 2026, which seeks to ban political donations from specific industries including fossil fuels, gambling, and defence contractors, while capping individual donations at $3,000 per election term. Greens senators argued the bill was necessary to restore public trust and prevent corporate influence, citing recent budget outcomes as evidence of donor impact. Government and Coalition members opposed the bill, arguing that existing reforms were sufficient and that the proposal unfairly targeted legal industries while ignoring undisclosed foreign funding to environmental groups. The debate highlighted deep divisions over political integrity, industry influence, and the adequacy of current electoral laws.

   Outcome: The debate concluded without a recorded vote in the provided transcript.

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