South Australia's first election under laws banning political party donations has sparked fears that powerful lobby groups could dominate the discourse. The ban, introduced before Saturday's ballot, redirects funds to third-party organisations, which face less stringent disclosure rules.
Groups including Turning Point Australia, GetUp, the Australian Christian Lobby, and former Liberal MP Christopher Pyne have registered as third parties. Donation and spending details will not be fully disclosed until after polling day, raising concerns about transparency.
Bill Browne from the Australia Institute warned the ban may worsen accountability, as money flows to third parties with fewer reporting obligations. He noted that candidates could be outspent by opaque lobby groups, undermining voter accountability.
Constitutional law expert Anne Twomey echoed these concerns, stating the ban could distort campaigns, with well-funded interest groups forcing parties to align with their agendas. Premier Peter Malinauskas defended the reforms, arguing they reduce reliance on wealthy donors.
Third-party spending is capped at $450,000, but reporting deadlines extend weeks after the election. GetUp said it registered in response to Turning Point's support for One Nation, which has surged in polls with a primary vote in the 20s.
