Federal election 2022: Julie Bishop defends absence from re-election fundraiser circuit

Long-time Liberal Party stalwart Julie Bishop has defended her conspicuous absence from the pre-election fundraiser circuit, insisting her position as Chancellor of Australian National University precludes her from raising money during the campaign.

The former foreign minister was the star attraction at hundreds of fundraising events during her 21 years as Curtin MP, helping to pour millions of dollars into Liberal HQ with a contact book boasting the names of practically all of Perth’s corporate elite.

Since the election was called, Ms Bishop has not attended any fundraising events — which The West understands has caused discontent among some Liberals given the tightness of the race in Curtin, where incumbent Celia Hammond is trying to stave off a challenge from independent Kate Chaney.

“I was appointed Chancellor of the Australian National University in January 2020,” Ms Bishop told The West.

“It is long-standing practice for the Chancellor to not actively engage in the partisan political process during election campaigns and I advised senior Liberal Party figures to that effect.

“Prior to the caretaker period, in response to requests, I helped launch the re-election campaign of the current member for Wentworth Dave Sharma, and have provided support to sitting members and candidates in other States, including fundraising.

“My legacy as the former Member for Curtin includes leaving a healthy balance in the campaign finance account for my successor, over 20 years of fundraising in support of marginal seats throughout Western Australia and across the nation, including during eight Federal elections.”

While steering clear of Liberal fundraisers since the election campaign officially began, Ms Bishop has repeatedly made political commentary — including sharing her belief Foreign Minister Marise Payne “should be on the next plane to the Solomon Islands” when news of the “deeply disturbing” security pact with China emerged.

As recently as Tuesday, Ms Bishop — in an appearance on breakfast television — shared her opinion on the battle for Curtin, saying it was a “significant Liberal stronghold” but that an independent had triumphed before.

“The seat of Curtin was won by an independent in 1996 (Allan Rocher) so there is a precedent there. And at that time, interestingly, the senior Liberal figures were backing the independent and not the endorsed Liberal candidate. I know, because it was me,” she said.

Ms Bishop is also slated to appear as an expert guest as part of Channel Nine’s election day coverage.

Funds raised in Curtin have traditionally been used to bolster campaigns in seats across the State but the emergence of Ms Chaney has meant the Liberals have had to dedicate additional resources to sandbagging the traditionally safe seat.

The Liberals have struggled mightily to raise money in recent years, although a source close to the campaign insisted the removal of the State’s hard border had allowed fund raising efforts to ramp up — and that Curtin had raised just as much money as in previous Federal election campaigns.