Independent Liberal Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard, who was re-elected at the recent State election for a third term, said she did not agree that taxpayers have to reimburse the major political parties for the cost of advertising during the election campaign.

“I did not support the bill when it was put to Parliament and I still do not believe that it is appropriate for political parties to take money from the community to pay for elections, especially when those parties are able to continue to take money from unions and big business as well,” said Dr Woollard.

“That is double dipping at its worst. I put that on record in Parliament and I stand by my convictions on this issue. As a result, I plan to lodge a claim for reimbursement but I will be donating the money that I receive to the schools in my electorate.”

“The local schools all have important projects that they are working on that need funding and I am sure that the money will be put to very good use.”

Dr Woollard said the bill allowed political parties and Independents who secure more than four per cent of the primary vote to claim nearly $1.60 for each vote they received.

“Claims can be lodged up to 20 weeks from polling day, which was September 6. As an individual, I will be receiving a rebate of about $8,000 but the major parties stand to gain more than a million dollars each,” said Dr Woollard.

“This bill was not in the best interests of the community. I said at the time that it was purely a self-interest, ‘look after the party’ bill and that is exactly what it has turned out to be.”