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Wednesday May 22, 2013

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MP criticised for politicising Australia Day

Posted by: Michael James | 27 December, 2012 - 9:15 AM
The invite to MP Bruce Billson's Australia Day Function <i>(3AW)</i>

A local Member of Parliament has come under criticism for holding a political fundraiser on Australia Day.

The invite, which was sent mainly to Liberal Party supporters, asks recipients to 'Join them in celebrating Australia Day with all funds going to support the re-election of Hon Bruce Billson' with a large Australian Flag in the background.

Should Australia Day be used for political fundraising? Comment below

3AW Morning Host Justin Smith said fundraisers were a political reality, but the timing and Australian insignia raises questions.

"Bruce Billson is an MP and Greg Hunt is involved in this as well, he’s the member of Flinders, and they are both still members of Parliament. Surely there is something better they could be doing on Australia day than asking people for money" Justin Smith told his listeners.

Lifetime Australia Day Ambassador Dr Hugh Wirth said the event was bordering on unethical.

"You don’t celebrate Australia Day by raising money for a local MP," he said.

"I’m outraged. It’s completely unethical to do what they’ve done.

"If the electorate wants to run a fundraiser to re-elect a local politician but don’t do it in the name of Australia Day and what Australia Day means to people."

LISTEN:  Lifetime Australia Day Ambassador Dr Hugh Wirth speaks with Justin Smith

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Blog comments Your Say

  • TO ALL YOU VOTERS THAT HAVE THE "BALLS" TO SAY YOU VOTED LABOR AT THE LAST ELECTION. HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME.??.GET A LIFE AND GET RID OF "JULIAR".

    IAN Saturday 29 December, 2012 - 1:36 PM

  • What do people expect from the Liberal party, they only care about money & helping their rich mates, even if it means exploiting Australia Day. Also Justin is going to be in trouble, you can't have a go at Mitchell's party without repercussions.

    Marco Friday 28 December, 2012 - 7:56 AM

  • @Matt against everything Aussie, why would you care what anyone does on Australia Day as surely you would not observe it in any way, shape or form? You are truly a most obnoxious person, I could think of more adjectives that would suit you and your anti-Australian comments but won't lower myself to your rotten level. Ditto to @Peter Hillster.

    Proud Australian Thursday 27 December, 2012 - 6:40 PM

  • @Matt; Bearing in mind that there were a number of countries in the 1700's and 1800's that were looking to add to their influence by adding "new" lands to their colonies; which would you prefer to have settled/colonised Australia: France? Spain? Germany? Russia? Japan? China? England? The fact is that "Invasion" was going to happen; it was only a question of who was going to do it.

    David T. Thursday 27 December, 2012 - 5:49 PM

  • So what?? The sooner the Libs get back in power the sooner we will have a responsible government this is important to Australia,old Hugh Wirth should stay in his cage>!!

    Steve Thursday 27 December, 2012 - 2:17 PM

  • Couldn't agree more with Peter Hillster, the day had been hijacked by drunken bogans draped in Aussie flags walking around snearing at anyone who isn't Anglo. It's become a racist day, which is probably befitting as the day celebrates an invasion & subsequent massacre of a ancient culture.

    Matt - proudly Un-Australian Thursday 27 December, 2012 - 1:20 PM

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