Former state member ‘horrified’ by Nats’ ad
FORMER Member for Dubbo, John Mason, has expressed his dismay at the way a fundraising Campaign Dinner for the party’s new candidate has been advertised, describing it as ‘disgraceful’.
Mr Mason, who was the Liberal Member for Dubbo from 1965 to 1981, said he saw the ad in last week’s Dubbo Photo News which read “The community is invited to a Thank-you and Farewell Dinner for Troy Grant” who is retiring as the state member at the March election.
“I think Troy Grant is an outstanding member,” Mr Mason told Dubbo Photo News, describing Mr Grant as a “worthy” representative. “He hasn’t been there long enough,” he added.
“I’m sorry he’s not standing. If he was standing, I would be supporting him as strongly as I could.
“So when I saw (the ad) saying there was a farewell tribute to him, I thought I’ve got to go to that. I was surprised it was on so quickly and that I hadn’t heard about it.”
Mr Mason contacted the organisers and was told there would be a form he’d need to fill in.
“When I got the form I was absolutely horrified because the form starts off with ‘Campaign Dinner’ and a photo of (Nationals candidate) Dugald Saunders.
“I thought this is misrepresentation. I think this is one of the worst pieces of electoral advertising I’ve ever seen.
“You even have to sign the form to satisfy the Electoral Funding Act laws that cover donations,” Mr Mason said.
Mr Mason showed Dubbo Photo News the form which is headlined: “You are invited to a campaign dinner with Dugald Saunders... and to pay tribute to the contribution of Hon Troy Grant MP.” Tickets are listed at $75 each, or $500 to sit with either of the official guests.
“It’s just so blatantly a campaign fundraising dinner.
“I think it’s one of the most serious breaches that I’ve ever encountered in advertising politically.”
Mr Mason said the key point for him was that, if he had signed the declaration, he felt it was implying a declaration of loyalty and support to The Nationals.
Dubbo Photo News
contacted The Nationals’ Dubbo campaign office for a response to Mr Mason’s concerns however the offer was declined.
In November last year, Mr Mason helped officially open the Dubbo campaign office of Independent candidate Mathew Dickerson.