Big parties bury donation reform: Madigan

An independent senator has accused the major parties of burying reform on political donations because of self-interest.

John Madigan says Labor and the Liberals have used their stranglehold over parliament's electoral committee to prevent an inquiry into donations from reporting.

"Comprised of individuals drawn from the major political parties - that is, the beneficiaries of the financial largesse bestowed by political donors - the joint standing on electoral matters inquiries into this policy area are inherently tainted by a conflict of interest," he said.

Senator Madigan wants the committee to hand over its role to an independent body.