Warringah challenger Zali Steggall urges Tony Abbott to call out Captain GetUp video

Zali Steggall has urged Tony Abbott to call out an “inappropriate” video which features the satirical Captain GetUp mascot gyrating and rubbing up against an image of the Olympian.

Advance Australia's Captain GetUp at Manly Wharf.

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Zali Steggall has urged Tony Abbott to call out an “inappropriate” video which features the satirical Captain GetUp mascot gyrating and rubbing up against an image of the Olympian.

The right-leaning group Advance Australia, which is campaigning against the Independent in her battle to win Warringah, has since removed the video from social media.

Ms Steggall said the group has strong links with the Liberal Party and is now calling on both Mr Abbott and the Prime Minister to condemn the video.

Independent candidate for Warringah Zali Steggall campaigning with her father Jack Steggall in Manly on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image/Jeremy Piper

“What does it say about their values? Is that respectable behaviour, do they condone it?”

She added that there was a level of sexualisation in the video and called for better standards in political campaigning.

“It is inappropriate and I have no doubt it (Captain GetUp) affects him (Mr Abbott) negatively if he endorses that kind of behaviour.”

Advance Australia launched its Captain GetUp character stating its intention was to highlight Ms Steggall’s links to the left-leaning group.

Tony Abbott, pictured at a debate at the Harbord Beach Hotel last week, has been contacted for comment. Picture: AAP IMAGE / MONIQUE HARMER

Ms Steggall has repeatedly denied that she has any association with the group.

Advance Australia has removed the video stating that it was posted in error.

The group’s national director Gerard Benedet added: “Captain GetUp made a mistake and the video has been taken down.

“Captain GetUp’s role is to give people the facts about the left-wing activists who support fake independents.”

He added that the group does not support specific candidates.

Mr Abbott has been contacted for comment.