Aussie Court Lifts Donation Cap, Levels Playing Field

0:00Two independent candidates just scored a big win in Australia's high court, knocking down a Victorian law that capped individual campaign donations at, around $5,000. The court ruled unanimously that the cap unfairly burdened free political communication under the Constitution, especially because it let so-called, nominate the entities dodge the limit if they register before July 1, 2020. By that cutoff, only major party groups had signed up, leaving independent stuck while big players fundraise freely, the state admitted the date. Restriction couldn't hold up. Independence Paul Hopper and Melissa Lowe called it a boost for democracy, leveling the field against the major party's grip ahead of the Victorian. State election this November. This sets the stage for similar fights at the federal level, where other independents are eyeing challenges to keep elections fair across the board. Even listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.