The proposed reforms to reduce the influence of wealthy donors in elections include spending caps, real-time disclosure requirements, and a lower donation threshold. These reforms aim to increase transparency and create a fairer electoral system. In 2022, election spending reached a record $440 million, with the top five individual donors contributing 70 percent of all donations. A joint parliamentary committee is investigating potential reforms, and its interim report has made 15 recommendations focused on political donations, spending, trust in the electoral system, and Indigenous participation in elections. Committee chair Kate Thwaites emphasized the need to increase transparency and curb the potentially corrupting influence of big money. The recommendations include lowering the donation disclosure threshold and introducing real-time disclosure requirements. The committee also suggested implementing donation and spending caps for federal elections. However, coalition committee members rejected these recommendations, claiming partisan favoritism. They proposed a lower donation threshold and monthly disclosure requirements but did not support donations or spending caps. Independent MP Kate Chaney called for additional reforms, such as banning political donations from government contractors and addressing party and incumbent advantage. Overall, there is a strong desire for reform to promote a level playing field, transparency, and fairness in elections.