Political parties in cash grab TAXPAYERS could be forced to pick up the tab for the administration of political parties under a Gillard government plan. A leaked caucus briefing paper obtained by the Nine Network outlines draft laws that will give political parties and successful independents the equivalent each year of $1 per House of Representatives and Senate vote they receive. It's believed $37 million has been secretly set aside in this year's budget so the scheme can start in June and there will be $58 million allocated over three years, the Nine Network reports. The coalition is likely to support the plan because it could be financially lucrative to the Liberal and National parties, who are favoured to win the next election. The changes could be a lifeline for the cash strapped Labor Party. Labor stalwart John Faulkner reportedly dismissed the plan as disgraceful when Special Minister of State Mark Dreyfus outlined the measures in a caucus committee meeting on Monday. Senator Faulkner is also upset the draft laws have a $5000 threshold for disclosure of political donations rather than $1000 as previously promised. Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said her party will oppose any legislation that doesn't clamp down on corporate donations and runaway electoral spending. "Any increase in public funding without caps or curbs on corporate donations will only accelerate the "arm's race," she said in a statement.