David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Greens Party for today's opportunity to talk about the need for urgent action on political donations. You ought to be congratulated, just like Goodman Fielder, the producers of my favourite margarine, MeadowLea. I enjoyed my MeadowLea on toast this morning, so allow me to also acknowledge George Weston Foods—good on you mum, Tip Top's the one.

The Liberal Democrats agree there needs to be urgent action on political donations. This can be achieved by sending cheques made out to us directly to PO Box 636, Drummoyne NSW 1470 or through our web page at ldp.org.au.

While enjoying my Nescafe coffee this morning—thank you, Nestle—I reflected upon the fact that at the last election Australians were forced to hand over $58 million to the greedy major parties. This paid for wasteful advertisements that drove us all crazy. Even the Greens produced enough junk mail to create a bare patch in the Amazon rainforest about the size of the ACT. That is why long-suffering taxpayers should welcome anything to ease this burden—donations given willingly by individuals and corporations. So long as this process is transparent it is something to be encouraged. The Liberal Democrats certainly encourage it, which is why we regularly check on the contents of PO Box 636 at Drummoyne NSW in the postcode 1470.

Speaking of transparency, the Liberal Democrats were proud to receive our first major corporate donation from Philip Morris International, in 2013. I do not recommend smoking but I do support the right of people to choose to smoke. I would like to thank Philip Morris for their generosity to my party and remind other tobacco companies, chop-chop merchants and smokers that we are still waiting for a donation from them. We also welcome all donations from developers and alcohol, gambling and mining companies.

As the Greens rightly point out, this is now a matter for urgent action. It can be addressed by sending a cheque made out to the Liberal Democrats at PO Box 636, Drummoyne NSW 1470. I must leave now to quench my hard earned thirst, for which I thank Carlton and United Breweries, a subsidiary of the Foster's Group.