Byron Ballina Greens -> media -> revolvingdoor

Does Revolving Door Exist between State Labor and NSW Developers?

What happens when you get a revolving door relationship between large developers and State Government? Do we have an example of this with the current relationship between State Labor and development companies in New South Wales? Money seems to be turning up in the campaign funds of New South Wales State Labor, and favours seems to be turning up in the form of billions of dollars worth of construction projects for corporations in New South Wales.

See report by Sylvia Hale Greens MLC

Five researchers from the NSW  Greens spent six months researching through Australian Electoral Commission returns and donation registers from the Electoral funding Authority.

But it is not just money and favours passing through the revolving door. It seems that a lot of past  State Labor ministers, and party officials are passing through, on their way to well paid positions in the very companies who are now seeking development approvals from the current State Labor mob. A report in the Sun Herald April 6th 2008, outlines some examples of these relationships, starting with ex Premier Bob Carr. Read more Here

What perception does this create? The average observer would believe that some undue influence would come to bear on the current minister by the approach of a past comrade, and also by the payment of generous donations into the party's campaign account.

A close watch needs to be kept on current moves by Premier Iemma to change the rules governing political donations. This situation cannot be allowed to be used by State Labor to further tighten its control over the political process. We need transparency both in  the development approval process and the political funding process.