Liberal candidate Scott Yung and party officials have come under scrutiny for their use of Chinese celebrities and a public relations firm in the 2019 state election campaign. Yung has declined to answer detailed questions regarding whether his campaign complied with official guidelines, as the party confirms an audit of campaign disclosures.
The private dinner event in Sydney to raise funds for Yung’s campaign, featuring former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, has been cancelled without explanation. Yung secured endorsements from Chinese actors who charge thousands of dollars for similar endorsements, while also receiving free work from a PR agency for social media ads during the election.
Yung has previously stated that unpaid work and endorsements did not need to be disclosed as they were voluntary. However, the NSW Electoral Commission advises that candidates do need to disclose voluntary contributions in certain circumstances. Yung has not addressed whether these circumstances apply to him.
The Liberal party, while continually assessing compliance obligations, declined to comment on the details provided by the electoral commission. Yung and his campaign team did not respond to questions seeking clarification on the issue. It is essential that politicians adhere to electoral laws, as highlighted by Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg.
The cancellation of the fundraising event and the use of celebrities in Yung’s campaign raise questions about compliance with disclosure rules and transparency. With a tight margin in the seat of Bennelong, where one-third of residents have Chinese ancestry, scrutiny of campaign practices is crucial. Abbott has also been contacted for comment on the cancelled event.
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