Open democracy?
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11:56 am, August 24th, 2008 - 20 comments
Categories: election 2008, election funding, rumour -
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According to the Sunday Star Times the Sensible Sentencing Trust and Family First have decided to refuse to comply with the Electoral Finance Act.
While the Sensible Sentencing Trust is outrightly claiming they are going to use their breach of the Act as a publicity stunt, Family First are absurdly claiming they can’t register as a third party because they “would have all kinds of administration things to add on”.
My first response to this was to wonder what kind of onerous administration “things” are involved in filling in a form and sending it to the the electoral commission? But then I had another thought: registered third parties need to declare donations and expenses.
The obvious reason for this is that the EFA is about transparency and a big part of that is knowing who is spending what on lobbying the electorate.
Keeping that issue in mind there has been all sorts of speculation about where the funding for these two anti-government lobby groups has come from. The general consensus is that a fair wedge of it is being imported from hardcore rightwing Christian sources in the US but this of course cannot be proven.
There is also speculation they want to run parallel campaigns for National and Stephen Franks’ nomination for Wellington central was part of the Sensible Sentencing Trust’s deal on this (indeed, Franks traveled to the US with the trust last year). Again, because of the lack of transparency around the Trust, we can’t know if such speculation is at all accurate.
If these groups were to register as third parties under the EFA we would know for sure who their backers were and what their interest in altering our political discourse was. But they are not going to and so we won’t.
Interestingly, despite being registered as a charitable trust, The Sensible Sentencing Trust has not registered under the charities act which would give them the opportunity for tax exemptions but also require them to file a six-monthly financial return. Family First has registered under the act but must have done so recently as they have not filed the first of their returns.
Given the fact that these groups are getting a lot of media and are looking to play a strong role in this year’s election campaign, their lack of transparency is concerning and their refusal to register as third parties under the EFA won’t ease those concerns.
As an aside it has been good to hear Rethinking Crime and Punishment getting some media time over crime issues. They have a much more considered and, dare I say, sensible attitude that the Sensible Sentencing Trust who, as you may remember, endorsed the murder of a child because he was a “tagger”.
Update: Stephen Franks has responded with a post on his blog detailing the SST’s donors and political partners. Nah, only joking. He actually just slags off the standard and has a whinge about his list ranking although I’m sure if you ask him nicely he’ll let you know who’s paying the bills for the trust.
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- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
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- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
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- Government introduces controversial MACA legislation
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- Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges
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- Release: Govt forgetting the 6000 jobs they’ve cut
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- Release: Ministers oblivious to cuts’ effect on families
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- Release: Public service set up to fail under National
Nicola Willis has set up the public service to fail to pay for reckless tax cuts for landlords and the tobacco industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Coalition cooking up costly RMA replacement
National continues to dismantle environmental protections in the interests of rushing through unsustainable development that will ultimately cost communities. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National red-faced as benefit numbers skyrocket
The economy has stagnated and the National Government is having to face the consequences of its atrocious lawmaking, as beneficiary numbers skyrocket past even Treasury’s predictions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National allocating police officers not hired yet
There are 104 fewer police officers now than there were when National came into Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Economic decline further cause for tax transformation
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- Release: No growth under National, just cuts
The National Government’s decisions have hindered, not helped the economy. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must act to avoid the worst of NIWA’s climate projections
New climate projections from NIWA underscore how urgently climate action is needed. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More job losses as Government fails on manufacturing
The Government is failing the manufacturing sector with no plan for its future. ...3 weeks ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
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Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...2 days ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
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- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...2 days ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
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- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...2 days ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
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- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
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- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
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- FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable
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- South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration
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- Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings
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- Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum
Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar. Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...3 days ago
- Positive progress on Government health targets
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- Progressing remote building inspections
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- PPTA accepts charter schools
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- New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed
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- Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea
The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...5 days ago
- South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland
Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...5 days ago
- Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed
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- Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care. “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...5 days ago
- Minor variations no longer major problem
It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...5 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments. “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.” The appointments are: Andrew ...5 days ago
- SuperGold Information Hub live
The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...5 days ago
- New fund to clean up old landfill and dump sites
A new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund will help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and other contaminated sites that are vulnerable to the effects of severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. "This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Government’s investment in ...5 days ago
- Increased medicines access welcomed following budget boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...5 days ago
- Foreign Minister completes successful week of international engagements
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today wrapped up a week of high-level engagements at the United Nations in New York and in Papeete, French Polynesia. “Our visit to New York was about demonstrating New Zealand’s unwavering support for an international system based on rules and respect for the UN Charter, as ...6 days ago
- Final 2024 Action Plan focused on infrastructure
The Government’s Quarter Four (Q4) Action Plan will be focused on making it easier and faster to build infrastructure in New Zealand as part of its wider plan to rebuild the economy, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “My Government has been working at pace to get the country back on ...6 days ago
- Four new laws to tackle crime passed in Q3
New Zealanders will be safer as a result of the Government’s crackdown on crime which includes tougher laws for offenders and gangs delivered as part of the Quarter Three (Q3) Action Plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “I’m proud to say we have delivered on 39 of the 40 actions ...6 days ago
- Government partnership boosting vineyard productivity
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- Strong support for NZ minerals strategy
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- Snapper catch limits up, orange roughy down
Catch limits for several fisheries will be increased following a review that shows stocks of those species are healthy and abundant. The changes are being made as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s biannual sustainability review, which considers catch limits and management settings across New Zealand’s fisheries. “Scientific evidence and information ...7 days ago
- Reforming the building consent system
The Government is investigating options for a major reform of the building consent system to improve efficiency and consistency across New Zealand, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “New Zealand has some of the least affordable housing in the world, which has dire social and economic implications. At the heart ...7 days ago
- Cost-benefit analysis for potential third medical school completed
The Government has announced that an initial cost-benefit analysis of establishing a third medical school based at the University of Waikato has been completed and has been found to provide confidence for the project to progress to the next stage. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti says the proposal will ...1 week ago
- Government delivers sensible approach to speed limits
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- Minister to meet with Pacific Island climate leaders
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is travelling to Fiji on Monday to attend a Ministerial Meeting (Talanoa) with Pacific Island Countries, Australia, and New Zealand. “Attending the Talanoa will reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to supporting climate resilience in the Pacific and advancing action in the areas of climate change,” Mr ...1 week ago
- Human rights recommendations accepted
The Government is accepting the majority of human rights recommendations received at the fourth Universal Period Review in Geneva, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We have considered all 259 recommendations from the United Nations. We are supporting 168 and partially supporting 12 of these recommendations. “Recommendations related to women’s rights, ...1 week ago
- Geotech work begins on Warkworth to Te Hana Road of National Significance
The Government is continuing to move at pace on the Northland Expressway, with significant geotechnical investigations now underway for phase one from Warkworth to Te Hana, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With thousands of motorists and freight travelling through Northland, we’re focused on delivering for this region to grow our economy. ...1 week ago
- Health NZ deputy commissioners being paid $200k a year in fees
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kerry Brown, Professor of Employment and Industry, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University NT_Studio/Shutterstock Should young people be paid less than their older counterparts, even if they’re working the same job? Whether you think it’s fair or not, it’s ...1 day ago - Rocky Road: The Rock In The Hill A Quarry Really, Really Wants To Get Out
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so the sensible sentrencing trust is just a bunch of white collar crims huh. who is going to bring them to justice?
[Wrong thread MB, you’re looking for this one.]
I think you might find that as an advocacy organisation the SST may not be able to register as a charity, or if it does certain constraints may apply under the Act.
Re the EFA I think they are being silly, but then that is par for the course re the SST
many apologies – I just put my thing into the worng post I would be happy to see you you obliterate it.
Democracy is a kiwi delusion, just read Absolute Power and you can identify the creepy little anthropoids that are blocking your rights. If that were sorted out then maybe we would get somewhere instead of this onward march to Draconia, which is located at the bottom of Mount Helengrad.
So your supposition is the sensible sentencing trust and Family First are fronts for some nefarious right wing US Christian groups trying to alter political discourse in NZ.
Perhaps you should have posted this on Travellereve’s website seems somewhat far fetched to me
Democracy is a kiwi delusion, just read Absolute Power and you can identify the creepy little anthropoids that are blocking your rights. If that were sorted out then maybe we would get somewhere instead of this onward march to Draconia.
Dad, your obsession with Wishart’s book is getting boring and does neither of you any credit.
Sometimes principles can be a bitch. To be consistent with my opposition to the EFA as it currently stands means I must support the stance taken by two organisations whose positions on most things I vehemently oppose.
I find myself in this position because the EFA is isn’t “about transparency” – it’s been pointed out numerous times in numerous fora that there are any number of ways for big donors to “wash” funds given to political parties – it’s about restriction on free speech… it is effective only in limiting the funds anyone, or any organisation, can spend opposing the platforms of the political parties who in turn can still dip into their huge war chests.
I definitely want to know who’s backing the “Sensible” Sentencing Trust (a misnomer if ever there was one) and Family First, and to what degree. But provided I know that, I don’t care how much they spend. The EFA achieves the precise opposite.
BTW thanks for the link to the Rethinking folks, Irish… I wasn’t aware of them till now. A definite bookmark.
Links please.
send me some money and I will make it disappear for you. no questions asked. $10,000 minimum disappearance fee.
So your objection is what, the cap should’ve been higher for third-party organisations and lower for political parties? Sounds less like opposition in principle to me than a case of beating up a law that only needs a small practical amendment to accord with your principles.
It also limits the funds you can spend backing up particular parties, so assuming third-party organisations both agree and disagree with well-funded political parties, it can be looked at as perfectly agnostic to NGOs.
this is more computer generated drivel. where is the anti spam filter for this nonsense
The EPMU have said they will run their campaign regardless of their status under the EFA. Does this bear a certain level of resemblance to the stance of organisations mentioned above?
Swampy: No comparison. From what I understand the EPMU says that they will comply with the provisions of the Act regardless of the decision.
These bozo’s at SST and FF are saying that they will break the law, presumably because they don’t want to reveal their sources of finance or because they plan on breaking spending limits.
Personally, I can’t see any other reasons to avoid a simple registration of an intent to campaign and an accounting of sources of finance. I think that the bullshit I hear from these groups is simply to cover up their backers. To date I haven’t heard anything that makes me change my mind on that despite all of the misdirection that gets floated around.
I kind of feel like there should be custodial sentaces for breaching things like electoral law. All fines ect do is create 2 rates for advertising. your first XXXk of advertising costs you XXXk, and anything above that costs XXXk + XXk fine. The “damage” is already done when they break these laws, slapping a fine on them doesnt go back and undo the illegal electioneering. If there was custodial sentances they might think a bit more carefully before breaking the law, that or there would be a whole lot more people “forgetting” to sign the forms, like National and thier GST incident last time around.