By Eleanor Wilson
Political donation records show Berwick Labor candidate Malik Zaveer has splashed $30,000 on his campaign ahead of the State election on November 26.
The records, available to the public on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website, show Mr Zaveer was listed as the donor and recipient of two donations – a $20,000 donation on 16 September, followed by a $10,000 donation on 11 October.
Reforms made to the Electoral Act in 2018 ban anonymous donations above $1080 and require the donor and recipient to disclose donations above this amount to the VEC within 21 days, which must then be published on the VEC website within seven days.
There are no laws against a candidate donating to their own campaign.
Multiple donations from a single donor to a single recipient cannot exceed the general donation cap of $4320 in the four years between state elections, however candidates donating to their own campaign are exempt from this cap.
According to the donation records, Mr Zaveer’s donation is among the highest political donations in the state.
Mr Zaveer runs a logistics business with his sons and also formed the Lyndhurst Lions Club 12 years ago.
He did not respond to Star News’ requests for comment.
