Queensland's property developer donation ban is valid
The High Court has ruled Queensland laws banning property developers from donating to political parties and candidates are valid.
The Palaszczuk Labor government passed laws last year, backdated until before the 2017 Queensland election, banning property developers from donating money to state and local government politicians, candidates and parties.
Then-LNP president Mr Spence, also the chairman of engineering consultancy PeakUrban, launched a challenge of the laws in the High Court in mid-2018 and in December resigned his position on the LNP.
He argued the laws prevented him from legally playing a role in the leadership of the party ahead of the federal election, including fundraising, due to his role in the property development industry.
On Wednesday morning, the High Court ruled the Queensland laws were valid.
However, part of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, which allowed federal candidates, politicians and parties to accept gifts despite any existing state laws, was ruled invalid.
The decision will likely have ramifications for fundraising efforts for the LNP in Queensland during the current federal election campaign.
The High Court will publish its reasons at a later date.