Comedian Dave Hughes says he will no longer take the stage at Victorian Liberal party events, claiming the party decided his appearances could breach the state's political donation laws.
Hughes, also known as Hughesy, once described himself as a lifelong Labor voter, but has become a vocal critic of the party following May's federal budget, which included sweeping reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. He has since been campaigning for the Liberals ahead of the November Victorian election.
Fundraisers and campaign events
His involvement included headlining the party's western Victoria region campaign launch in Geelong – a free event held on 16 August – and two fundraisers: a $2,500-per-head dinner on 10 September for its Bentleigh candidate, Tynan Putt; and a $30 “Pub Talk” alongside the Williamstown candidate, Paul Lindemann, on 16 September.
In a video posted to his social media accounts on Tuesday, Hughes said he was no longer able to speak at such events after a report to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
Donation laws and complaint
“Apparently because of what I would normally charge, that's above the donation limit,” he said. “I've said I'm not taking any money for political speaking, so I can't do any more talks at Liberal events.”
On X, Hughes alleged that Victorian Labor had made the VEC complaint. However, a senior Labor source said they were not involved. The Age, which first reported the story, reported that the complaint was made by a Labor supporter.
Under Victoria's donation laws, providing a service for free or below market value is treated as an in-kind political donation and is subject to the same rules as cash donations, which are capped at $5,190. The VEC's donations disclosure register shows in-kind services alongside cash donations. It shows that comedian and Greens member Tom Ballard appeared at a party fundraiser in March, with the value of his service recorded as $1,200.
Hughes explains his motivation
Hughes claimed that while Labor had the “massive union movement behind them”, most Liberal candidates “don't have money behind them” and were “struggling like every other Victorian”. “So that's why I want to help them out,” he said.
The VEC donations register shows the Liberals have received $173,222 in donations this financial year, compared to Labor's $775,264. The Victorian Liberal party has been approached for comment.
