Noosa MP Sandy Bolton has expressed outrage over proposed changes to Queensland’s electoral laws, warning they could increase the risk of corruption and undermine public trust in politics.
The amendments, introduced in the final sitting of 2025, would allow property developers – previously banned from political donations – to once again contribute to party campaigns.
The submissions period for the changes closed on 2 January, during the holiday season, leaving many Queenslanders unaware of the proposed reforms.
Ms Bolton, Queensland’s only independent MP for three consecutive terms, said the move was “fair to governments, unfair to Queenslanders.”
“The government claims these amendments restore electoral ‘fairness,’ but in reality they favour donors over the people,” she said.
“Democracy should be in the hands of the people, not those who can amplify their influence with large sums of money.”
Ms Bolton said the proposal flies in the face of recommendations from major inquiries, including Fitzgerald, Operation Belcarra, and Coaldrake, all of which cautioned against the influence of big donors in politics.
She pointed out that in a recent survey of Noosa residents, 78 per cent supported a ban on all electoral donations, similar to reforms recently introduced in South Australia.
“This is not real reform,” she said.
“Banning all donations, not increasing them, would restore fairness. Where there’s big money, there’s always an expectation of influence – something Queenslanders deserve protection from.”
Ms Bolton also called for broader reforms to safeguard the integrity of the state’s political system, including independent reviews of parliamentary processes and consideration of reintroducing an Upper House. She warned that without such checks, Queensland risks repeating historical mistakes that allowed corruption to flourish.
“Tony Fitzgerald KC warned the government back in 1989 that we needed enduring solutions for electoral reform. I will continue to advocate for measures that put power back with the people and keep political influence out of the hands of major donors,” she said.
Queensland Parliament resumes on 10 February 2026, when the proposed legislation is expected to be debated.
