Victoria left without limits on political donations after high court rules laws unconstitutional

Section of state’s electoral act that introduced caps on political donations but created loophole for Labor and Coalition scrapped

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The high court has ruled Victoria’s political donation laws are unconstitutional, leaving the state with no limits on donations and no disclosure requirements unless new legislation is urgently introduced before the November election.

The unanimous decision, handed down by Australia’s highest court on Wednesday, struck out an entire section of Victoria’s electoral act that introduced caps on political donations but carved out an exemption for major parties.