Findings in donation reform bill report

POLITICAL DONATIONS REFORM:

* Ban on donations from foreign governments, non-resident citizens of another country and foreign state-owned enterprises to fund public debate.

* Laws shouldn't cover charities and not-for-profit bodies involved in advocacy to government, as well as "educative, artistic, satirical or journalistic activities".

* Instead of defining groups or individuals as "political campaigners", a "transparency register" be set up for all entities spending money on "activities undertaken to change voter intention".

* Mandatory to register if an organisation spends over a specific amount but voluntary for those who spend under the threshold.

* All political parties should reaffirm their registration before every federal election or be subject to automatic deregistration.

* Simplify the process for organisations to verify whether a donor is a "non-allowable donor".

* Continued support for public funding, but a minimum spending level should be set before a party or candidate needs to substantiate what the money is spend on.

* Delay start of new penalties by one year to allow parties, candidates and other bodies to meet the new obligations without fear of prosecution.

(Source: Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Reform)