BALLARAT LIBERAL BACKS FORMER ONE NATION SENATE CANDIDATE

The Liberal candidate for Ballarat has recommended to voters that they preference Clive Palmer’s candidate Peter Cozyn above any other candidates at the May 18 election.

This is despite Mr Cozyn’s history in far right politics.

On April 5 2019 the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mr Cozyn had jumped ship from One Nation, “after being told being told by One Nation on February 12 that he was “successful” in his bid to be one of their candidates.”

Does the Liberal candidate really believe that a former One Nation candidate is fit to represent the Ballarat community in parliament?

We know that the Liberals are desperate to hold onto power – but the Liberal candidate should show more respect for our community.

Mr Cozyn may have changed parties, but his policies have not shifted.

Earlier today Mr Cozyn shared material from the racist and islamophobic Stop the Mosque Facebook group.

Mr Cozyn has regularly posted material in this group.

Views such as this have no place in the Ballarat community or in Australian politics.

The Liberal candidate for Ballarat must immediately repudiate the views of Mr Cozyn and redirect his preferences to a more deserving candidate.