This book explores the problems associated with regulating the funding of political parties and election campaigns in a timely assessment of a topic of great political controversy.

From interest in Obama's capacity to raise vast sums of money, to scandals that have rocked UK and Australian governments, party funding is a global issue, reflected in this text with case studies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Taking an interdisciplinary approach with leading scholars from politics, geography and law, this text addresses key themes:...

Money plays a controversial role in Australian politics. Political donations may spark claims of secret contributions and corruption. Do corporations or trade unions have undue infl uence over political parties by way of donations? Meanwhile, the activities of well-paid lobbyists come under the spotlight, with claims of preferential treatment and 'favours for mates'. What role should lobbyists have in our political system? Public funding for political parties also attracts its share of criticism. Has it made politics fairer or entrenched the position of the major parties? There is a fear that...