Unions NSW: Challenge to electoral funding laws

15 February, 2012

Unions NSW is considering a High Court challenge following the likely passage of electoral funding laws through the NSW parliament that undermine the political voice of working people and make political involvement the plaything of the wealthy and powerful.

The laws impose unreasonable restrictions on unions but do nothing to silence the political megaphone of the wealthy.

"These laws are aimed squarely at working people and their unions, but do nothing to restrain the influence of wealthy individuals," Unions NSW Secretary, Mark Lennon said.

"Unions NSW will seek legal advice in the next few days about the likely outcome of a High Court challenge on the implied right of freedom of speech under the Constitution.

"The inquiry into these proposed laws only handed down its report today and was highly critical of the legislation.

"To shunt these laws through parliament within hours is an affront to everyone who gave evidence.

"We have an absurd situation where debate has been silenced on a bill that will stifle democratic involvement.

"These laws are not only unfair, they're unworkable."