Tomorrow (Tuesday) night
If you’re in Melbourne and interested in hearing me speak please come to this:
Lobbyocracy: The Hypocrisy of Democracy
With the Federal Government threatening to raise the limit on disclosed donations from $1,500 to $10,000 there as never been a greater need to expose the corruption of political donations.The Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice are using their second forum of the year to launch their campaign: www.lobbyocracy.org.
In this forum we will hear how influence is bough at the expense of our democracy through an unaccountable system of political donations. The impacts of these activities are massive, and yet largely undiscussed. They have lead to massive increases in election spending, the further alienating smaller parties, fewer voices in our media, inappropriate development, a continuing reliance on the coal industry and much more.
Find out about the secret back room deals, how money is siphoned through front groups and the impact this has on our democracy. Come and hear why Lobbyocracy is the Hypocrisy of Democracy.
You can download a flyer here.
When: 7pm Tuesday 21st March 2006
Where: Evatt Room @ Trades Hall (cnr Lygon St and Victoria St Carlton)
Cost: $5 (Free for ACDJ members)Speakers:
Joo-Cheong Tham
Joo-Cheong Tham is a lecturer with the Law Faculty, University of Melbourne, having previously taught at the law schools of La Trobe University and Victoria University. He has published articles on money politics in a range of academic journals and newspapers. He has also appeared as an expert witness before parliamentary inquiries into political donations and, together with Dr Sally Young, Melbourne University, is currently completed a major report into the funding of Australian political parties. Joo-Cheong is a committee member of Liberty Victoria and a member of the Academic Advisory Group of Democracy Watch.Hammy Goonan
Hammy is the founder of the Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaTrobe University and has recently completed his Masters in Public Advocacy and Action at Victoria University, specialising in globalisation, the global justice movement and environmental issues. He is also a part of the Melbourne Social Forum organising committee. Hammy will be discussing the position of the Australian Centre for Democracy and Justice on Lobbying.