Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, today challenged the Liberal candidate for the seat to terminate the negative, personal campaign being waged on his behalf and at least try to offer the electorate some constructive debate on policy.
“Negative, baseless flyers aimed at the person and completely lacking a constructive alternative have been dumped in letterboxes around the region for weeks now,” Ms King said.
“They are typical of the carping negativity of the Tony Abbott-led Liberals throughout this term of Parliament. It is clear to any observer that the community is fed up with this type of politics.
“There have been many calls to my office from people justifiably disgusted by the flyers and we know that others have also been to the Liberal candidate to complain.”
Ms King said she would base her campaign on what she has delivered for the people of Ballarat and region, her vast experience as a sitting MP and a positive policy direction for the future.
“I am continuing to work hard for the region as your elected representative and fulfilling my responsibilities as a Cabinet Minister for Regional Australia,” Ms King said
“When the campaign begins, people will be able to judge my approach, see clearly what I have delivered and what I offer.
“They can compare this with the baseless negativity of the phoney campaign being conducted on behalf of the Liberal candidate and make their own judgement.
“There are five candidates who have so far chosen to contest the election against me as the sitting member and I look forward to a constructive and open debate, hopefully devoid of the negativity currently on display from the Liberal Party.
“I can’t say I am confident the Liberals will change their spots, though, either at a national level or locally, given the evidence before us.”