The annual disclosure of funding to political parties and activist groups has shed light on the financial support received by various organizations. One notable revelation is that anti-Voice lobby group, Advance Australia, received a significant sum of $5.2 million in donations during the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Australian Electoral Commission’s annual release of donations to political parties, unions, and activist groups has provided insight into the financial landscape of these organizations.
Among the donations received by Advance Australia, a conservative organization, was a substantial contribution of $1.025 million from a little-known Perth company called Hadley Holdings. This donation played a crucial role in funding Advance Australia’s campaign against the introduction of a Voice to Parliament. The two donations made by Hadley Holdings in November 2022 made it the second-largest political donor in the country for the past financial year. The largest political donor was mining magnate Clive Palmer’s Mineralogy company, which contributed $7.08 million to his United Australia Party.
The donation from Hadley Holdings stands out as the single biggest contribution to Advance Australia’s campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum held in October. According to ASIC records, the company’s directors are Brian Hadley Anderson and Lena Hilton. The financial support received from Hadley Holdings has significantly bolstered Advance Australia’s cause.
In addition to the donation from Hadley Holdings, Advance Australia received contributions from prominent investors and business figures. Regular donors such as vitamins entrepreneur Marcus Blackmore donated $25,000, while storage king Sam Kennard contributed $125,000 through his company Siesta Holdings. Melbourne Storm director Brett Ralph donated $50,000 through his JMR Management Consultancy Services company. Perth doctor Bryant Macfie and Sydney millionaire Rodney O’Neil also made separate $100,000 donations through their respective companies, Sixmilebridge and Nedigi.
Another substantial donation of $400,000 came from former fund manager Simon Fenwick, who contributed through his Silver River family trust. These contributions played a crucial role in financing Advance Australia’s campaign, which utilized Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Warren Mundine as their lead spokespeople.
While Advance Australia received significant financial support, other organizations and political parties also received notable donations. Well-known political donor and billionaire Anthony Pratt contributed over $1 million to the Labor party. Climate 200, a fundraising organization that played a significant role in supporting independent candidates like Kate Chaney, received a substantial donation of $3.5 million in the fiscal year 2022-23.
The annual disclosure of funding to political parties and activist groups provides transparency and insight into the financial landscape of these organizations. It allows the public to understand the sources of funding and the impact it may have on political campaigns and advocacy efforts. The significant donations received by Advance Australia and other organizations highlight the role that financial support plays in shaping political discourse and influencing public opinion.
