I have today written to the Prime Minister regarding misleading and defamatory election material released by the Labor Party in Denison.
Printed material, and at least one billboard, claims that a vote for me is a vote for Tony Abbott. This is simply untrue.
I have publicly and repeatedly ruled out entering into any preference negotiation or doing any preference deal at the election, just as I have ruled out doing any deal with any party after the election.
Frankly the public is sick and tired of smear campaigns and of the mudslinging which has characterised the last three years. It’s beyond time for the political parties to start focusing on the public interest instead of their self-interest.
I am committed to a campaign on policy and a vision for the future. It’s a shame the Labor Party has seen fit to resort to such blatantly dishonest attacks.
I’ve called on the Prime Minister to intervene to stop the publication of any more misleading material and to have the billboard taken down.
Download a copy of my letter to the Prime Minister:
130813_AWilkie_Kevin_Rudd_(ALP_ad_concern).pdf
• ABC’s Vote Compass: Where do you stand?
• A further statement regarding misleading and defamatory Labor Party election material
This afternoon I received a letter from ALP Campaign Director George Wright regarding my concerns about the Labor Party’s misleading and defamatory campaign against me in Denison.
The letter said the ALP intends to continue the campaign against me.
I am very disappointed that the Labor Party is prepared to defend and perpetuate the lies they have made about me. I’m also disappointed that the Prime Minister has refused to intervene despite what he has said in recent times about the need for a more civil political discourse. But most of all I am disappointed for the public interest which is the real loser whenever politicians lie.
I remain firmly of the view that some of the Labor Party advertising in Denison is blatantly misleading and personally defamatory and reserve my right to take further action to rectify the situation.
This episode says a lot about the way political parties do business, and in particular how political party backroom operatives really pull the strings in their election campaigns.
In any case I am happy for the people of Denison to judge the Labor Party’s behaviour against mine at the forthcoming election.
Download a copy of Mr Wright’s letter:
