Electoral Legislation Amendment (Fairer Contracts and Grants) Bill 2023

# Electoral Legislation Amendment (Fairer Contracts and Grants) Bill 2023 ## What it does This bill stops companies from giving money to ruling political parties and then getting government contracts or funding within the same 12-month period. It also works the other way—companies can't apply for government money or approvals and then donate to the ruling party within 12 months. The aim is to prevent the appearance that political donations are being rewarded with taxpayer-funded contracts. ## Why it matters Right now, there's nothing explicitly stopping a company from donating to a government party and then winning a lucrative government contract. This creates a real (or perceived) conflict of interest where taxpayer money could end up flowing back to people who bankrolled politicians. The bill tries to close that loophole. ## Key details - **Who it affects**: Companies and their close associates (directors, major shareholders, spouses, and lobbyists) when dealing with government money or approvals - **The 12-month rule**: You have to wait a full year after getting government funding before donating to the ruling party—or vice versa - **Timing**: The law would start the day after it's approved by Parliament - **Scope**: Only applies to donations above the normal disclosure threshold and only to parties currently in government