April 6, 2019 – Table of contents
Shouting at the television and planting gardens.
Tony Abbott a Chinese ‘patsie’ or patsy?
Shouting at the Television and Planting Gardens
Lesley Howard from NoFibs has written, “What do shouting at the television and gardening have in common? From little things big things have grown. Gather ’round people, let me tell you a story… or two.” Shouting at the television and planting gardens.
Donations to One Nation
Melissa Davey reports, “Lobby group the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which represents pharmacy owners, has defended making a $15,000 donation to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.” Pharmacy Guild of Australia defends making $15,000 donation to One Nation.
Normally, political donations are not disclosed before federal elections. However, the exposure of this group of donations came about because of a commitment from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during her first term to make available all political donations in Queensland online and in real time. Independent Queensland MP Peter Wellington and Speaker of the House, had entered into this agreement with her as part of his support for her forming government in 2015.
To see the donations, head to the Electoral Commission Queensland disclosures website here.
Election speculation
Matthew Doran reports that speculation continues over when Prime Minister Scott Morrison will go to the Governor-General to call the election.
“He has previously stated a poll could be held on May 11, 18 or 25 — although the first two dates appear more likely, given the pressure a later election would place on the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to count the votes before the constitutional deadline to return the results.” Bill Shorten says Scott Morrison is playing games with election call.
Tony Abbott a Chinese ‘patsie’ or patsy?
Nick McKenzie, Sashka Koloff and Mary Fallon report: “Tony Abbott’s re-election campaign held a fundraising event at a private golf club run by a fugitive Chinese casino tycoon with deep ties to the Communist Party. A joint investigation by Four Corners, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald can reveal that Mr Abbott attended the fundraiser at the Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club in March last year.” Tony Abbott attended re-election fundraiser at fugitive Chinese tycoon’s golf club
Tony Abbott responded on Twitter denying he was a Chinese ‘patsie’ (spelling it incorrectly) and was not aware of his campaign in Warringah receiving any funding.
Independent candidate for Warringah, Zali Steggall, challenged Mr Abbott to rule out any Chinese Communist Party funding.
Checking in with Mallee
Dave Lennon is reporting for NoFibs on the Mallee electorate in Victoria. Ray Kingston is the Independent candidate there and he’ll be launching his campaign tomorrow with the slogan, ‘Back the Beard’. You’re invited to back the beard! We’re launching Ray Kingston.