Labor, Coalition Agree on Historic Electoral Reforms

The Australian government is set to implement significant electoral reforms after the Labor party reached an agreement with the Coalition, despite opposition from crossbenchers and independents. The reforms include raising the cap on individual political donations from $20,000 to $50,000, with state and territory branches treated separately, effectively allowing major parties to receive up to $450,000. The disclosure threshold for donations will increase from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at reducing 'dark money' influence. Campaign spending limits will be set at $800,000 per electorate and $90 million nationally, although these caps will not apply until the federal election in 2028. Critics, including independent senators and MPs, argue the changes favor major parties and limit the ability of independents to compete, citing a lack of scrutiny and potential reduction in diverse representation. The legislation is expected to pass the Senate soon, marking the largest electoral reform in decades.