Key facts
- Comedian Dave Hughes will no longer speak at Victorian Liberal party events.
- Hughes cited concerns that his usual speaking fees exceed the state's political donation cap of $5,190.
- Hughes had been campaigning for the Liberals ahead of the November Victorian election.
- Hughes alleged the complaint to the Victorian Electoral Commission originated from the Labor party.
- A Labor source denied involvement in the complaint, which The Age reported was made by a Labor supporter.
Comedian Dave Hughes has announced he will cease speaking at Victorian Liberal party events, stating the party believes his involvement could contravene the state's political donation laws. Hughes, who had been actively campaigning for the Liberals in the lead-up to the November Victorian election, said the party informed him that his usual speaking fees exceeded the $5,190 donation cap.
Hughes, who has previously identified as a Labor voter but became a critic after the federal budget's reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax, had headlined a campaign launch in Geelong on August 16 and was scheduled for two fundraisers: a $2,500-per-head dinner on September 10 for Bentleigh candidate Tynan Putt, and a $30 "Pub Talk" on September 16 with Williamstown candidate Paul Lindemann.
In a social media video, Hughes stated, "Apparently because of what I would normally charge, that’s above the donation limit." He added, "I’ve said I’m not taking any money for political speaking, so I can’t do any more talks at Liberal events."
Hughes alleged on X that the Victorian Labor party had made a complaint to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). However, a senior Labor source denied any involvement, and The Age reported the complaint was lodged by a Labor supporter. Under Victorian law, services provided for free or below market value are considered in-kind donations and are subject to the same caps as cash donations. The VEC's register shows such services alongside monetary contributions, noting that comedian Tom Ballard appeared at a Greens fundraiser in March, with his service valued at $1,200. Hughes expressed a desire to support Liberal candidates, stating that unlike Labor's "massive union movement," most Liberal candidates "don’t have money behind them" and are "struggling." The VEC's donations register indicates the Liberals have received $173,222 in donations this financial year, compared to Labor's $775,264.