If you want to understand Australian federal politics #auspol, follow the money and find the connections.

In 2018-19, APPEA Ltd (gas industry group) donated $161,659 to the major political parties.

The Liberal Party received $656,827 from the fossil fuel industry...

...interestingly, of which only $429,750 was declared by the party to the AEC.

These "investments" are minuscule when put in context of the size of these industries, but when added up with all the other investments/donations from corporations, it's a key lever which ensures...

major parties can spend on advertising & win seats (it really is that simple).

The Liberal Party & its network of appointees have a track record of deep alignment with the gas cartels - the Bernard Collaery / Witness K case would certainly reveal interesting connections.

Across the chamber, in 2018-19, donations to the ALP from fossil fuel companies was $700k, a significant increase on previous years (2017-18: $490k, 2016-17: 326k).

Was the fossil fuel industry was preparing for a Labor Govt in 2019?

source: https://transparency.aec.gov.au/ 

Big companies donate to political parties - we all know that - so what?

So... if we're going to let large corporations dictate our federal policy, let's just call our political system what it is - Corporatocracy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporatocracy

The reality is that major political parties are beholden to the money which keeps the machine moving.

For a democracy to mean anything, citizens must be at the table for decision-making.

Political decisions that reward donors leave citizens bearing the cost & consequences.