Ten donors gave 77% of total political donations in lead-up to last Australian election

Record high spending ‘is putting our democracy at risk’, Centre for Public Integrity chair says

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Political donations from fossil fuel, gambling and alcohol companies all increased in the lead-up to the federal election, adding to ongoing concerns about the influence of these industries in politics.

Donations usually increase in the months before an election but last financial year, more than 75% of money came from just 10 individuals, companies or political movements, according to analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity released on Wednesday of the Australian Electoral Commission’s 2021-22 financial disclosure returns.