money and democracy

Today we have seen the commencement of a major campaign funded by global tobacco companies against a government commitment they do not like. Plain packaging for tobacco products, and they are clearly worried about it setting a precedent that other countries will follow. Much has been said and written about the actual policy and that is not my purpose here. I am more concerned with the fact that multinational companies can pour millions into a campaign during an election campaign, it is not dis-similar to the campaign the miners are running against the re-jigged 'super tax'; but being tobacco, I am more familiar with it. There is also an issue in terms of transparency and accountability. The front alliance for this campaign was only legally established 13 days ago! Why can't the tobacco companies be more open about; rather than framing the issue in terms of small retailers?

Clearly, corporate wealth influences the public debate; that is why the tobacco and mining companies are pouring millions into their campaigns. They purport that their intent is not to bring down governments; but, this seems rather thin. no matter what, others will use their campaign, and perhaps money, to leverage a change of government.

Imagine if the poor, the dispossessed, the oppressed and the marginalized had that much leverage in the political process. imagine if asylum seekers could throw ten million dollars at an advertising campaign.