Mark Nicholson's jail comments spark pushback from Bendigo rivals
One Nation candidate Mark Nicholson called for Jacinta Allan and Dan Andrews to face prison, sparking controversy.
Mark Nicholson is a One Nation upper house candidate. At his party's October 3 campaign launch, he said former premiers Dan Andrews and Jacinta Allan should be 'in prison by Christmas'.
The comment referenced alleged corruption linked to Victoria's $150 billion Big Build program. The state election is set for November 28.
Cheryl Hawken is One Nation's Bendigo East candidate. She called the comment 'tongue in cheek'.
But she said she backs investigating how Labor handled state finances over 12 years. Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean avoided directly commenting.
He said Bendigo voters should focus on the campaign rather than 'mud slinging'. Jacinta Allan is expected to testify before a royal commission examining Big Build program integrity.
- $150 billion
- Big Build program value
- November 28
- State election date
- 12 years
- Years of Labor finances to investigate
- Christmas
- Nicholson's proposed deadline
Why it mattersOne Nation's strong rhetoric could energize its base. It could also turn off swing voters. These voters matter in the tight Bendigo races on November 28.
AustraliaVictoria's November 28 election may hinge on swing voters in seats like Bendigo East; inflammatory statements could influence undecided voters there.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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