I was never privy to deals negotiated and agreed by Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party that directs its upper house voting preferences in Northern Victoria to the Animal Justice Party. Not that I haven’t asked. But I’ve never been given an answer – a fact I made clear when 774 ABC Melbourne Drive presenter Raf Epstein questioned me on November 7 about the party’s arrangements.
If I’d known my party was doing a deal to direct preferences in Northern Victoria to the hard-Left Animal Justice Party – against the livelihoods and interests of the people and farming communities that I’ve represented for four years – I would have demanded changes. That’s probably why I was kept in the dark.
The Animal Justice Party is a radical outfit that shows little support for victims of crime. It’s a party that looks the other way when animal activists invade farms and breach trespass laws.
I’m appalled by the arrangement agreed by my party, and the worst is that it cannot be undone.
So, electors across Northern Victoria who want to support me and my running mate John Herron should ignore this awful deal by voting BELOW THE LINE on the upper house ballot paper. You should direct your preferences where you want them to go. You need to number five squares or more.
Whatever the outcome on November 26, I’m proud of the work I’ve done since 2018 and of the team that works for me. We’ve worked on the tough issues that no-one else will tackle. We’ve worked always to make a positive difference so we can live in fair, just, safe communities. It’s what I’ll continue to do if you re-elect me.
