A leaked complaint letter reveals former candidates for a major political party describe feeling "used, lied to, misled and gaslit" after applying to run in an upcoming election. Sources say the process involved a controversial "pay-to-play" system, with applicants paying significant sums only to be rejected later. Multiple former local leaders, including councillors and mayors, have raised concerns about the party’s motives, suggesting it may be prioritizing revenue over genuine recruitment. The allegations come as the party stands to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from aspiring candidates.
Exclusive: Many applicants left feeling ‘used, lied to, misled and gaslit’, complaint letter seen by Guardian Australia saysListen to the Guardian podcast The Populist hereGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation could collect as much as $633,000 from people who have put their hand up to run in the Victorian state election, with potential candidates questioning whether the party is staging a “cash grab”.Guardian Australia has spoken to multiple former councillors, mayors and deputy mayors who expressed an interest in running for the party. They claim they went through what one called a “pay-to-play” application process, after which they were rejected.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
