Gold Coast Member for Moncrieff Steven Ciobo slams Get Up’s new campaign

A GOLD COAST MP said he ‘couldn’t care less’ about a campaign that has labelled him a ‘hard right’ MP.

A GOLD COAST MP said he ‘couldn’t care less’ about a campaign that has labelled him a right wing MP.

Member for Moncrieff, Steven Ciobo who holds a 14.6 per cent margin said he was not concerned about being the target of a new campaign by the left pressure group Get Up.

Mr Ciobo was listed as a target, along with a number of other LNP members as part of the ‘Let’s vote out the hard right’ campaign launched over the weekend.

His role in the leadership coup, support for coal mines and objections to refugee resettlement in New Zealand were among the major concerns from the group.

The Get Up page listed a number of LNP Mps.

Mr Ciobo slammed lobby group in response, calling it a front organisation for the Labor Party.

“I couldn't care less what the Labor front says, and don’t lose one second of sleep over it,” he said.

“I know their core policies include weakening Australia’s borders and pushing up the price of electricity.

“Gold Coasters know I will always stand up for the coast and will continue to invest in coast infrastructure to drive major industries and will not weaken our borders.

“My focus is on being a strong representative for the Gold Coast,” he said.

Australian Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo speaks. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

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Mr Ciobo who was recently moved to the Defence Industry portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle said he was prepared for the upcoming election.
“Ultimately I think voters make a decision on how they want their county to look in the years ahead, and we are focused on sound economic management, lower taxes and lower cost of electricity.

“Elections are never won or lost in the election campaign, work you have done the work over the entire term.

Mr Ciobo was also undeterred by other candidates running for the seat.

“I am very old fashioned on these things, we live in a democracy I happen to think having a variety of different view points and candidates demonstrate a healthy democracy.”

Steven Ciobo, Minister for Defence Industry was the only Gold Coast MP named in the Get Up! campaign. Mr Ciobo is with Karen Andrews, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, and Senator Amanda Stoker. Picture: Jerad Williams

GetUp Elections Director Henny Smith refuted Labor connection claims.

“GetUp is an independent movement of everyday people. We judge parties and politicians on their policies and values, not their brand,” Mr Smith said.

“Our campaigning is always grassroots and member driven.

“Our members will be talking to voters in target electorates — over the phones and at door knocks.”

The group will also be running crowd funded advertising with a focus on social media ads.