The win by opposition leader Anthony Albanese in Australia s tightly contested general election returns the center-left Labor Party to power for the first time in nine years, possibly bringing a slight but notable shift in approach to foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Federal political parties have received $1.1 billion from hidden donors in a trend towards greater secrecy over two decades, says a new report that warns of dangerous failures in the system meant to expose vested interests.
A handful of dominant players have increased their sway over federal politics by making one-quarter of all donations over the period, led by mining magnate Clive Palmer as well as Liberal and union funds.
Big time political party donor, Clive Palmer.
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In a damning assessment of the disclosure regime, the not-for-profit Centre for Public Integrity says voters are being denied crucial facts about who has paid for influence with about $3 billion in party income over two decades.