Defence Minister Peter Dutton has posted flyers to constituents of his marginal seat spruiking the success of a controversial online fundraiser he launched after the Brisbane floods.
Dutton’s methods raised questions among transparency and charity experts, also sparking action from a fundraising regulator, before the GoFundMe effort closed with almost $29,000 in donations.
Peter Dutton, who is central to the Coalition’s hopes for another term, meets locals in April as he campaigns to retain his marginal north Brisbane seat.Credit:Paul Harris
Applications were directed through what was eventually a password protected section of Dutton’s LNP-branded website, with the money said to have been held and distributed by a small community group — unregistered with the national charities body — that was linked to his office.
In mid-April, Dutton posted an update to the GoFundMe page, thanking donors and saying all funds had been distributed. He also included testimonials from three successful applicants.
Brisbane Times has learned Dutton has now printed and posted an unknown number of flyers sharing a similar message, including an additional positive testimonial, to residents in his electorate.
“What [the 2011 floods] taught us was that despite significant government assistance and insurance claims, nothing can replace the generosity of our fellow Australians,” Dutton said in the flyer. “That’s why, following the February floods, I created a GoFundMe to raise recovery support funds from generous Australians right across the country.”
The flyer distributed to residents in Dutton’s Dickson electorate.
The flyer directs anyone who might still need assistance to call Services Australia or visit the agency’s website. It carries an authorisation statement from Dutton, via his Strathpine electorate office, which gives the only reference to the LNP on the document.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing in printing and distributing the flyers, or the operation of the fundraiser.
Dutton spruiks flood GoFundMe to residents in electorate mail-out
Source: Philippines Alive
