New data from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has revealed that alcohol and gambling companies, along with lobby groups, poured AUD $2.5 million ($1.6 million USD) into donations for the country’s major political parties during the 2023-24 financial year.
According to the study, companies that profit solely from alcohol donated $998,000, while those making money only from gambling contributed $661,000. Businesses with a stake in both alcohol and gambling gave $815,000.
When it comes to where the money went, 61% of these donations flowed to the Australian Labor Party (ALP), while 38% went to the Liberal National Party (LNP).
The 2023-24 annual financial disclosure returns will be published on our Transparency Register on Monday.
The returns include financial information, such as donations and expenditure, from various entities, parties, MPs & senators and donors. https://t.co/u1Ig7bPjqb
— AEC ✏️ (@AusElectoralCom) January 31, 2025
The top five donors were said to be the Australian Hotels Association and Queensland Hotels Association, Endeavour Group, Tabcorp Holdings, Clubs NSW/Australia and Sportsbet.
Campaign groups call for ban on donations from gambling companies and lobbies
Following the release of the latest donation figures via the AEC Transparency Register, advocacy groups Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) have renewed their push to ban political donations from alcohol and gambling companies altogether.
Alcohol and gambling companies and their lobby groups should not be allowed to make political donations.
When harmful industries give money to political parties, we all lose – because corporations are buying influence that harms our community’s health and wellbeing. 🧵#auspol pic.twitter.com/QluXnGDq4c
— FARE (@FAREAustralia) February 4, 2025
FARE’s CEO Caterina Giorgi stated: “When companies provide donations to political parties, they do so to try and influence decision-making.
“Time and time again alcohol companies and their lobby groups delay and stop policies and programs that could improve the health and wellbeing of families and communities across Australia.”
While the government considered reforms to sports gambling—then conveniently shelved them—Sportsbet donated $88,000, Tabcorp $60,500, and peak body Responsible Wagering Australia gave $66,000 to Labor.
— Alliance for Gambling Reform (@ReformGambling) February 3, 2025
Martin Thomas, AGR CEO, added: “The evidence shows these donations spike at times when reforms are being considered. It is a blatant attempt to undermine reform and in doing so it is an attack on our democratic process.
“With political willpower it is absolutely possible for gambling and alcohol companies to be excluded from donating – we saw it with tobacco, now let’s see it for these other industries that are causing significant health and social harms in our communities.”
In November, the AEC revealed that donations made to the major parties by gambling lobby groups surged more than 600% in the past decade.
Featured image: Canva
