Liberal Party candidate Aumua To’afa McCarthy promised “no nonsense”, but the fight for the federal seat of Calwell has proved anything but straightforward in recent weeks.
After announcing her candidacy on Facebook in May, McCarthy has since stepped down.
And last week another Calwell candidate, John Hsu, quit the Liberal Party amid allegations he failed to declare that he owned a Frankston brothel.
Mr Hsu has denied any such ownership.
An Australian Electoral Commission spokesman said Mr Hsu would remain on the ballot paper as a candidate for the July 2 federal election because nominations closed two days before news of his alleged brothel ownership broke.
Liberal Party state director Simon Frost said it was too late to run an endorsed candidate for Calwell, which is considered a safe Labor seat.
“Mr John Hsu … had not fully declared his business interests prior to applying for endorsement as required under the party’s rules,” he said.
Star Weekly has been told Mrs McCarthy opted for an internal position with the Liberal Party after announcing her candidacy on Facebook in May.
Labelling herself as a “no-nonsense” candidate, Mrs McCarthy had organised a launch party at Tullamarine on June 4.
“To’afa McCarthy is the right person, at the right time, for the right reason with no-nonsense politics,” her Facebook page read.
Incumbent federal Calwell Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou said the Calwell community had been treated with “disregard” by the Liberal Party.
Pre-polling began last week with the number of voting stations in Brimbank being reduced from four to three.
Polling stations are at 183-191 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs; 328 Hampshire Road, Sunshine; and in Station Avenue, St Albans.
