Liberal candidate Scott Yung and party officials are being scrutinized for their campaign activities during the 2019 state election, particularly regarding his use of Chinese celebrities and a public relations firm. Yung received endorsements from famous Chinese actors and had free work provided by a PR agency, raising questions about whether these activities complied with electoral guidelines. The Liberal party has confirmed an audit of campaign disclosures is underway.
Yung’s campaign included endorsements from Chinese actors who typically charge thousands of dollars for similar services. He also received free work from a PR agency that produced favorable Chinese-language social media ads highlighting his connections to former Prime Minister John Howard.
While Yung has stated that the endorsements and free work were provided voluntarily and did not need to be disclosed, the NSW Electoral Commission advises that in certain circumstances, voluntary work should be disclosed as a political donation.
The Liberal party and Yung have not responded to requests for comment on the situation. The cancellation of a fundraiser with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the lack of transparency surrounding Yung’s campaign activities have raised concerns about compliance with electoral laws.
It is crucial for politicians to adhere to electoral laws, especially in closely contested seats like Bennelong where almost one-third of residents have Chinese ancestry. The Labor member currently holds the seat by a narrow margin, making it essential for candidates to maintain transparency and compliance with regulations.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
