Yes Canada has done it, and what's been the result regarding business influence on government? Absolutely nothing! Government there is JUST as beholden to business interests as it ever was.

Likewise, changing funding sources in Australia will change only ONE thing - - - "funding sources".

Since I've been on this forum over the past month or so I've noticed the people here are no different from people anywhere. They "THINK" that "THEIR" political answers are "THE" answers, and if anyone disagrees then they're wrong: Regardless of whether they're lefties, righties or in the middle.

Political discussions are a pointless exercise in futility.

Once we get rid of all politics in life, we'd all come to the vitally important realisation, in fact the only one that's necessary, that Rugby Union is superior to Thugby League. And "THAT'S" the last word!

“Yes Canada has done it, and what's been the result regarding business influence on government? Absolutely nothing! Government there is JUST as beholden to business interests as it ever was.”

I suspect you are right Master. But can you provide anything to support this assertion?

Incidentally, I would love to get your response to my comments on another thread:
http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=2899#67128

Considering that labor is largely funded from union coffers as well, this should also be restricted.

Rudd is unlikely to cut off their funding supply unless there is a huge public outcry.

Considering that labor politicians generally require a sizeable donation before granting an audience, I think there is more chance of Rudd giving birth.

I believe that the acceptance of any donation by any party or politician is wrong. I also believe that any form of political lobbying is wrong.

Both of these corrrupt practices will always be wrong when all the rest of us get is one vote every 3 or 4 years, and that's that.

Donations and lobbying means that a small group or individuals can have things they way they want them when what they want is not in the best interests of most Australlians.

Australia has no business talking about corruption in undeveloped countries while we allow polticial donations and lobbying to continue.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with political donations or lobbying. In fact, both activities are very much a part of a FREE SOCIETY. Do you realise that firms don't just donate to political parties? They donate to a plethora of different groups, organisations, charities, individuals etc etc etc. Last decade my nephew did the books for one of Australia's largest companies. It was a company well and truly criticised for it's donations to the various political parties. My nephew told me the donations to political parties were DWARFED by the many donations to other causes. Some companies believe it's their role to support the democratic process via donations to the political parties, and it's rarely done for any other reason. The continuation of democracy and freedom is in the companies' interests. It's the EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD to be an armchair critic and ASSUME that all political donations are given for ONLY corrupt reasons.

ANYONE can "lobby", as can any group. That's part of the democratic process. It's integral to FREEDOM. God help Australia if mere "lobbying" is ever banned - - - we'd end up like the old Soviet Union or the current North Korea. * * LONG LIVE FREEDOM * *.

“I believe that the acceptance of any donation by any party or politician is wrong.”

I certainly agree with that Leigh.

“I also believe that any form of political lobbying is wrong.”

But isn’t it everyone’s right to take an issue to their local member, at any of the three levels of government, and expect it to be duly considered? Isn’t it a fundamental right to have one’s concerns heard?

I don’t have any problem with big business lobbying government for just as long as those with opposing viewpoints, which usually come from small community groups or individuals with vastly less financial backing to get their message across, are given equal opportunity.

You could also argue that opinion pieces in newspapers, letters to the editor and views expressed on forums like OLO are all forms of political lobbying.

I think that we need to be able to lobby, and to have confidence that our message has at least reached those at the relevant decision-making level, whether it be local, state or federal government.