Labor candidate for the seat of Eden-Monaro, Dr Mike Kelly, has accused the sitting member, Dr Peter Hendy of "dirty politics" in a stoush over legal aid in a defamation case.
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Late last week member for Dr Hendy accused Dr Kelly of accessing pro bono (ie free) legal aid, worth potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars when he was sued by pollsters Lynton Crosby and Mark Textor for defamation.
Following a four-year legal battle, including a High Court hearing, Dr Kelly apologised for his remarks.
“Perhaps Mike Kelly has a perfectly good explanation as to why a highly-paid member of the Opposition Leader’s staff is receiving expensive legal representation pro bono. I hope he does,” Dr Hendy said.
“Mike Kelly needs to explain to the people of Eden-Monaro who paid his legal bills and why? What was the public good in a highly-paid political staffer receiving this type of assistance?” Dr Hendy said.
Speaking to the News Weekly Dr Kelly accused Hendy of participating in “dirty politics”.
“It is disappointing that Peter Hendy has completely given up fighting this election on the basis of ideas and policy and has opted for gutter politics,” Dr Kelly said.
“This is not what we are used to in Eden-Monaro and our community won't respond well to this. Clearly Mr Hendy doesn't understand this community or care about the issues that matter to us, like jobs and education.
“The question that the people of Eden-Monaro are asking me is what has Mr Hendy done for the region in the last two years? The fact is the Abbott government has taken our region for granted and Peter Hendy has behaved like an absentee landlord,” he said.
“It's quite unedifying for a local member of Parliament to be engaging in dirty politics and it shows a desperation born of an appalling record of work and delivery.
Dr Kelly said he hoped it wasn’t the start of a long smear campaign and said he wouldn't descend to that level.
“What I'm focusing on are the issues that are important for our region like jobs, well-supported health services, better funding for our local schools and TAFE, and improved local infrastructure.
“I also have a vision for the economy of Eden-Monaro that will give our kids a bright, rewarding and prosperous future. An economy of high technology, renewable energy, and enhanced tourism.”