Treasurer Jim Chalmers has criticised right-leaning advocacy groups for using advertising campaigns to influence a by-election in Victoria, saying there had been an “influx of rabid right-wing money” into Australian politics.
This comes as voters in the Victorian seat of Dunkley will go to the polls on March 1 to elect their new representative following the death of Labor MP Peta Murphy.
The by-election is considered the first significant test for the Labor government in 2024 after it introduced many major policy changes in recent months, including the revised stage three tax cut.
Some right-leaning advocacy groups, such as Advance Australia, have run advertising campaigns on social media and put up billboards to criticise Labor’s approach to the cost of living crisis.
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the treasurer condemned Advance Australia’s political campaign.
While Mr. Chalmers did not comment on political campaigns of advocacy groups and unions supporting left-leaning and Labor candidates, he believed there was an issue with Advance Australia’s approach to influencing voters.
“The sorts of advertising that we’ve seen from that group goes well beyond the acceptable norms of ... sensible Australian politics.
“We don’t want to see our politics go down that path, don’t want to see this kind of money decide elections and by elections.”
At the same time, the treasurer urged Dunkley voters not to be swayed by the Opposition’s messages.
