Comedian Dave Hughes has announced he will no longer appear at Victorian Liberal events, stating that the party believes his participation could violate the state's political donation laws.
Hughes, who has been a critic of the Labor party since May's federal budget, claimed in a social media video posted on Tuesday that a report to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) led to this decision. He stated, "Apparently because of what I would normally charge, that’s above the donation limit."
Victorian law considers services provided for free or below market value as in-kind political donations, which are subject to the same rules as cash donations, capped at $5,190. Hughes said he is not taking money for political speaking, and therefore cannot do more talks at Liberal events.
Hughes had previously headlined a free campaign launch and appeared at two fundraisers for the Liberal party: a $2,500-per-head dinner on 10 September and a $30 "Pub Talk" on 16 September.