The State Government's Political Finance Bill has cleared the Legislative Assembly with the help of Independent MLAs.
Parliamentary and Electoral Reform Minister Geoff Gallop said today that the Opposition had shown lip service to proper political accountability by failing to support the Bill.
"The legislation for full disclosure of political donations provides a test for every member of Parliament," Dr Gallop said.
"In arguing against the Bill, Opposition MLAs failed to meet that test."
Dr Gallop said he expected that the Bill would become law with the support of Independent MLC Reg Davies in the Legislative Council.
"This is the most comprehensive legislation that has ever been brought to a Parliament in Australia to deal with the question of full disclosure of political donations," Dr Gallop said.
"For the first time in our State's history, political fundraising will be regulated and the people will know who funds the political process."
Dr Gallop said the Bill required political parties to lodge annual returns with the Electoral Commission which would detail the donations received.
Non-party groups, candidates and 'other' persons would disclose donations they had received in post election returns.
Members of the public would be able to scrutinise the returns after they were received by the Electoral Commissioner.
The Electoral Commissioner would be required to report to the Parliament each year on the operation of the disclosure provisions.
The legislation provided for prosecution of offences by substantial fines and the issue of search warrants.
"The people of Western Australia have sent a clear message that they want the Parliament to act on this matter," Dr Gallop said.
"I am pleased that the Legislative Assembly has agreed with that proposition and now look forward to the Bill's passage in the Upper House."
