New Liberal alliance “Choice 200” set to rollout independent candidates in NSW election

A wealthy, former Liberal and a group of frustrated conservatives have the potential to cause a major headache for the government at the State election.

A millionaire ex-Liberal has secretly formed an alliance of so-called “true blue” independents who are preparing to run their own candidates at the State election.

In a major headache for the NSW Coalition, former-party official and IT tycoon Matthew Camenzuli has formed “Choice 200”, a collective not unlike Climate 200 founded by Simon Holmes a Court, which helped supported the “teal” independents in the federal election.

The movement has been established in response to ongoing interference by party heavyweights in preselections, with Choice 200 members already holding discussions with potential candidates. The candidates include sports stars, business people, an entertainer, a paramedic and former servicemen and women.

Its platform will have three key policy elements: cost of living, housing and energy security. Seats to be targeted include Epping, held by Premier Dominic Perrottet, Hornsby, held by Treasurer Matt Kean, Goulburn, Parramatta, Penrith, Riverstone and Winston Hills.

Matthew Camenzuli has formed an alliance of “true blue” independents that could run at 2023 NSW election. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Camenzuli took then PM Scott Morrison to court at the last federal election when Mr Morrison intervened to save incumbent MPs. Mr Camenzuli said there was evidence of similar interference by factional powerbrokers at the NSW level.

Instead of holding plebiscites where members voted in the most suitable candidate, preselections were being cancelled, candidates were not being endorsed or vetting committees used to strike out “unsuitable” contenders, he said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet’s seat of Epping may be targeted by the “Choice 200” group. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Camenzuli said the Choice 200 collective would proceed with rolling out candidates should the NSW Liberal Party continue to run interference in key State preselections or the Upper House ticket.

“We are not radicals. This is a collective of frustrated true Liberals – businesspeople, commentators – who will find and support candidates should the party continue to interfere with the preselections,” he said.

“I love the Liberal Party, but many of us believe it has lost its way.

“There are enough frustrated Liberals out there to have candidates in a number of seats.

We have a website and are ready to launch should the party not finalise its preselection in both the Upper House by the end January and the Lower House by Christmas without interference.

“My message to the factional hacks and party powerbrokers is this – it’s democracy stupid.”

Mr Camenzuli was a member of the NSW State executive when he took his failed legal action to try to overrule Mr Morrison’s interventions and was stripped of his party membership, but has a loyal and growing support base within the Liberal Party.

While donations caps prevent Mr Camenzuli from donating more than $7000, he said his movement of “seasoned campaigners” offered prospective candidates the expertise and “know-how” in raising funds and campaigning.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]