Warringah MP Tony Abbott launches fundraising drive to counter GetUp

Tony Abbott has launched a fundraising drive – telling supporters urgent cash is needed to stop GetUp from buying the election.

Tony Abbott has launched a fundraising campaign. Picture: John Appleyard

Tony Abbott has launched a fundraising drive – telling supporters urgent cash is needed to stop GetUp from buying the election.

The former Prime Minister, who is fighting to retain his Warringah seat, sent an email to supporters this morning calling for their help.

The Tony Abbott email that was sent out.

The email referenced a recent article in The Australian which claimed the left-leaning activist group GetUp has a $10 million war chest to use in the Federal Election.

“Did you see this article in The Australian,” Mr Abbott wrote before posting a link to the story.

Independent candidate for Warringah Zali Steggall. Picture: (AAP Image/Peter Rae)

“So today I want to invite you to join me in meeting a crucial challenge.

“GetUp has drawn up a hitlist of government seats — including my seat of Warringah — and are backing left-wing candidates who will do their bidding in parliament.

“Make no mistake, $10 million is the sort of money that can change an election and change a nation.”

In the email he claimed GetUp policies would result in weaker borders “meaning more deaths at sea”.

He said GetUp’s actions would lead to “expensive and unreliable renewable energy targets that will leave the lights off and cripple our economy”.

He also said Australia would be blighted by more political correctness as GetUp-backed candidates would use “politics of identity and race to divide Australians”.

“You and I cannot afford to let GetUp buy the election outcome,” Mr Abbot said.

“That’s why I’m asking for your support today to help meet an ambitious $227,000 target before the PM calls the election.”

He said the total would help “counter GetUp’s war chest” and “stop them from dragging Australia to the far-left”

“So please give your best gift today and join me as we take on these far-left activists,” he concluded.

Supporters are then invited to click on a link which reads: “Tony, I want to take on the far-left activists.”

A new window then opens giving a number of payment options. Starting at $30, there are options for donations all the way up to $2,500.

There is also the option to add your own amount.

Zali Steggall, Mr Abbott’s main challenger, has repeatedly denied links to GetUp.

“GetUp came to Warringah in 2018 because Mr Abbott is a climate

change denier,” she previously told the Manly Daily.

“Their focus on Warringah has nothing to do with me — and everything to do with Abbott; he is directly responsible for that.”