Lobster dinner in Matthew Guy’s past haunts him at campaign launch

A group of protesters dressed as lobsters have caused a scene at the Victorian Liberal campaign launch ahead of the state election this month.

A group wearing Lobster costumes have showed up to mock Matthew Guy as he kicked off his official campaign launch in Melbourne.

The infamous Lobster Cave dinner with alleged mafia boss Tony Madafferi has been a sore sport for opposition leader since it was first reported in 2017.

A giant inflatable lobster was erected next to the group, who were holding signs that read “don’t pinch free kinder” and “you’d be cray Z to vote Liberal”.

Protesters outside the Real Solutions Rally. Picture NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

It’s not the first time the Lobster had made an appearance. NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

A spokesman for Mr Guy told media at the time the now-opposition leader had been at the dinner, but that he had no input on the guest list and it was “hosted and organised by Liberal Party member and Executive Member of AUSVEG Victoria, Frank Lamattina”.

It’s not the first time Mr Guy has dodged the lobster protesters.

Trades Hall organised a similar protest back in 2017 outside a hotel in Aspendale where he had been due to appear for a community consultation.

Inside the event though, the Coalition was having its own fun.

While party faithful, MPs and candidates gathered at the rally in Port Melbourne, volunteers handed out “frequent liar” cards featuring the image of Premier Daniel Andrews.

“Frequent liar” card being distributed at the Liberal Party’s campaign rally in Port [e-mail]/f84dEvBQYH

— Mark Santomartino (@msanto92) November 12, 2022

Mr Guy told supporters the Labor Party should not be allowed to get away with “a culture of corruption and cover up”.

In his address, he focused on Victoria’s debt, the state’s health system and the vowed to bring down power bills.

“Our real solutions plan … will cap Victoria’s spiralling debt, reward hard working families, help small business and restore integrity and accountability in government,” Mr Guy said.

Energy and reducing power bills were also the focus of the Premier’s election campaign launch on Sunday.

He committed to employing 6000 apprentices and providing work experience to 10,000 high school students through the State Electricity Commission, which he promised to re-establish last month.

“Across our government schools, at every career night, the SEC will be there, not just looking for the workers of the future, but actively recruiting them,” Mr Andrews said.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced his campaign promises on Sunday. Picture Rebecca Michael

In addition to reminding voters about his government’s policy to make kindergarten free for Victorian children from next year, he also announced a $204m investment in specialist schools.

“We’re going to make life that little bit easier for families who really need it,” the premier announced.

Early voting for the November 26 election begins on Monday.