Victoria
Victorian Liberal candidate counselled over student volunteer program
A Victorian Liberal candidate in a key electorate has been counselled over links to an international student volunteer recruitment scheme.
A Victorian Liberal Party candidate contesting a key seat in the upcoming state election has been counselled by party leadership, according to reporting by a wire service.
The action follows questions regarding the candidate's connection to a volunteer recruitment program. The program reportedly sought to recruit international students to assist with an unidentified political campaign.
At this stage, the Liberal Party has not publicly disclosed the identity of the candidate or the specific electorate involved. It also remains unclear which organisation was running the volunteer program, or how many international students may have been recruited under the scheme.
The recruitment of international students for political campaigning has previously drawn scrutiny in Australian politics, particularly around the rules governing volunteer work and visa conditions. However, party officials have not confirmed the precise nature of the concerns that led to the candidate being counselled.
The Liberal Party has also not clarified what specific advice or directives were given to the candidate during the counselling session. The upcoming Victorian state election is expected to be closely contested, with both major parties focusing intense resources on key marginal seats.
State party administrators have been contacted for comment regarding the volunteer scheme and the candidate's involvement. It is not yet known whether the candidate will face further disciplinary action or if the matter has been referred to electoral authorities.
Observers will be watching to see if the Liberal Party releases further details about the candidate's identity or the nature of the volunteer program in the coming days.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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