The Liberal candidate for Reid, Grange Chung, has apologised for distributing a four-page booklet commemorating Anzac Day that also encouraged people to vote for him and linked to a how-to-vote card.
The Anzac Day booklet, authorised by the NSW Liberal party, contained images of Chung, a former navy officer, dressed in military uniform. The defence department has repeatedly urged veterans to refrain from using pictures of themselves in uniform, to avoid any suggestion the military is politically partisan.
The booklet, distributed by mail, contains a map of dawn services in the electorate, a personal message from Chung about what Anzac Day means to him and references the Sandakan death marches in Borneo. Chung said Reid hosted Australia’s only memorial to the tragedy, which he describes as “deeply personal” given his father’s family comes from Sandakan.
The final page of the pamphlet contains a political message from the Liberal party urging people to “Vote 1 Grange Chung”. It refers to Chung’s cultural heritage and describes him as “one of us” and someone who “understands your story – because it’s his story too”.
Almost one-quarter of Reid’s population identify as Chinese-Australian, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Reid is a marginal Labor seat held by the MP Sally Sitou, who has Chinese heritage.
A QR code printed in the Anzac Day booklet directs people to the Liberal party’s how-to-vote card in Reid.
“Grange’s heritage reflects the diverse and vibrant spirit of the seat of Reid,” the Liberal party message says. “With Chinese and European roots, he understands first-hand the strength that comes from multiculturalism and the importance of giving everyone a fair go.
“He’s not interested in political spin – just practical common-sense solutions. He wants to ease the cost of living, support local jobs, protect our suburbs and bring integrity back to government.”
One Reid resident, who received the pamphlet and declined to be named but confirmed he was not a member of any political party, said he respected Chung’s military service but considered the material to be inappropriate.
“His military service has already been heavily highlighted in previous electioneering material distributed to households by the Liberal candidate,” the Reid resident said.
“However, I feel it inappropriate to use Anzac Day, our most solemn day, for political advertising purposes. Anzac Day should be about non-political reflection and respect, not about seeking political gain.”
When contacted by Guardian Australia, Chung apologised for the campaign material and said he took responsibility for it, even though it was endorsed by the NSW Liberal party.
“I take responsibility for this brochure and apologise,” Chung said. “As a veteran, no one understands the importance of Anzac Day and honouring the service of the men and women in our defence forces more than I.”
Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese both downgraded political campaigning on Anzac Day. Dutton made brief remarks to condemn booing of welcome to country acknowledgments at Melbourne’s dawn service.
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Several politicians, including the Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, have also declined to make political points while being interviewed on Anzac Day.
“I have the rhetoric and capacity to engage in a debate – believe me it is at the forefront of my mind, what I can say – but I am not going to say it, not today,” Joyce said when asked about public service job cuts on ABC Radio National on Friday morning.
The Liberal party message in the pamphlet said: “Grange served in the Australian Defence Force with honour and discipline, carrying values of service, integrity and loyalty into everything he does.
“This experience taught him leadership under pressure and a deep respect for this country and the freedoms we enjoy.”
Several other Liberal candidates have included images of themselves in military uniform in campaign material. While this is not a breach of rules if candidates are not enlisted or members of the reserve, the Australian defence force remains uncomfortable about the issue.
“Defence acknowledges the contribution of former ADF personnel,” an ADF spokesperson said.
“Defence respectfully requests those standing for political office to refrain from using imagery of themselves in uniform or imagery of ADF personnel as part of any campaign material.”
