Treasurer Targets the Influence of ‘Right-Wing’ Funds in Victorian By-election
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has criticized right-leaning advocacy groups for using advertising campaigns to influence a by-election in Victoria, stating that there had been an “influx of rabid right-wing money” into Australian politics.
This criticism comes as voters in the Victorian seat of Dunkley prepare to cast their votes on March 1 to elect their new representative following the passing of Labor MP Peta Murphy.
The by-election is seen as a significant test for the Labor government in 2024 after introducing several major policy changes in recent months, including the revised stage three tax cut.
Various right-leaning advocacy groups, such as Advance Australia, have launched social media advertising campaigns and put up billboards criticizing Labor’s approach to the cost of living crisis.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Chalmers condemned Advance Australia’s political campaign, stating, “It’s made harder by this influx of rabid right-wing money that we’ve seen with the Advance campaign.”
While Chalmers did not comment on the political campaigns of advocacy groups and unions supporting left-leaning and Labor candidates, he expressed concern about Advance Australia’s approach to influencing voters.
He emphasized that the advertising tactics employed by the group go well beyond the acceptable norms of sensible Australian politics, stressing the need to avoid letting money dictate election outcomes.
Chalmers also urged Dunkley voters not to be swayed by the Opposition Leader’s negative messaging, emphasizing the importance of making an informed choice.
Meanwhile, Advance Australia questioned Chalmers’ motives in criticizing their advertising campaign, accusing him of being out of touch with the cost-of-living challenges faced by ordinary Australians.
In relation to central bank reform, Chalmers stated that the Labor government currently does not have plans to negotiate with the Australian Greens Party, despite introducing legislation aimed at changing the structure of the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Chalmers noted that for Labor to pass the legislation, they would need the support of either the Coalition or the Greens, but he ruled out the possibility of cooperating with the Greens at this time.
He expressed a preference for finding a bipartisan solution with the Coalition to address the differences between the parties, emphasizing the importance of working towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
