Peter McCutcheon and Mark Solomns report (ABC 17.5.16) that Gold Coast City councillors and their financial backers are under scrutiny by state and federal authorities following allegations of undisclosed Liberal National Party (LNP) funding of candidates in the March local elections. ‘Liberal MP Stuart Robert gave two independent candidates funds from his national LNP campaign fund At least four other independent councillors had campaign advice from lobbyist and former Tony Abbott staffer Simone Holzapfel. ‘One of Ms Holzapfel’s former clients is seeking development approval for 44-storey twin-towers It comes after revelations federal Liberal MP Stuart Robert channelled tens of thousands of dollars from his national LNP campaign fund, the Fadden Forum, to council candidates who stood as independents.’
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