By David KeatingOf course, President Obama failed to note that Australia’s campaign finance laws make the court’s ruling in Citizens United look timid by comparison. Australia allows unlimited donations to candidates and parties, and donations from corporations or even foreigners are allowed. Here, such donations are banned for federal candidates. Australians can claim a tax deduction of $1,166 for donations to candidates or parties, or over $2,000 total when they give to both, while the IRS allows nothing. Finally, only donations of over $9,640 need be reported to the government and disclosed to the public Down Under, compared with just $200 in the U.S.
