an attack on democracy that you’re paying for

Forget political donations. When it comes to fundraising for major parties, it’s not just about taking money, it’s about selling access to decision-makers. unrequited.

True, some institutions and individuals donate money to political parties without expecting anything in return. But selling access to decision-makers to companies affected by the decisions they make is the main driver of Labor, Liberal and National fundraising. Let’s call it the Graham Richardson Model, given that one of the nastiest, most corrupt figures in Australian politics made selling access the basis of his rise to power within the NSW ALP.