It's said money can't buy you happiness and it may not be able to buy you a seat in parliament either.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The two biggest fundraisers at the last election, according to data from the Australian Electoral Commission, both failed to win a seat in parliament.
Victorian Independent Alex Dyson and New South Wales independent Carolyn "Caz" Heise became the first federal candidates listed in AEC records to attract more than $2 million in donations.
Mr Dyson unsuccessfully tried to win the seat of Wannon, held by Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan, while Ms Heise challenged Nationals MP Pat Conaghan for his seat of Cowper.
Climate 200, the fundraising vehicle backed by businessman Simon Holmes a Court, was the largest donor at the 2025 election, making 483 payments to 34 independent candidates.
In total, the organisation spent nearly $11 million in the lead up to the May poll.
The electoral commission requires candidates to disclose any donations above $16,900, along with their campaign spending.
The data is published after each election to give Australians a better insight into who is funding politicians and how much they spend.
Kooyong independent MP Monique Ryan received the most donations of any sitting politician, amassing $1,905,102 from more than 3000 donors.
Of the top 50 biggest-spending candidates, 45 were independents.
They included Ms Ryan and other teal MPs like Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps, Kate Chaney and Zali Steggall.
Other independents including western Sydney MP Dai Le and regional NSW representative Andrew Gee were also high on the list.
The other five spots in the top 50 went to finance minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallgher, One Nation candidates Warwick Stacey, Tyron Whitten and Richard Graham, and Centre Alliance MP Rebekah Sharkie.
Australian Associated Press
