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John Howard lends voice to robocalls as Liberal stalwarts sandbag vulnerable seats

Ellen RansleyNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

Former prime minister John Howard has lent his voice to robocalls targeting vulnerable NSW Liberal seats, urging voters not to risk “disastrous” change.

Mr Howard has kept a relatively low profile since losing the 2007 election, but has hit the hustings hard during the campaign to rally support for Scott Morrison.

In his pre-recorded phone calls to NSW voters, Mr Howard tells them “there’s a lot at stake” this election and “now is not the time to risk change”.

“Hello, it’s John Howard calling from Sydney for the Liberal Party,” the message begins.

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“Your choice at this election is important because there’s a lot at stake. The pandemic has presented the most serious health and economic challenge in living memory.

“The liberal government has seen Australia emerge stronger than most countries. Just as we’re turning a corner, now is not the time to risk change.”

Howard Kooyong
Camera IconFormer prime minister John Howard hit the hustings with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in Melbourne seat of Kooyong. Aaron Francis / The Australian Credit: News Corp Australia

Mr Howard told voters Anthony Albanese had not “presented a credible alternative”, and also warned of the “disastrous” implications of voting for an independent.

“I ask you to vote liberal to deliver a strong economy and a strong future for our economy,” he added.

In addition to the robocalls, Mr Howard has lent his signature to letterbox drops, and has popped up for campaign appearances alongside Liberal MPs and candidates.

On Tuesday, Mr Howard visited three must-win seats in Victoria – namely Chisholm, Higgins, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s seat of Kooyong.

His appearance at Kooyong was another telling sign the Liberal party fear they’ll lose their stronghold in favour of teal independent Monique Ryan.

Mr Howard has sent out letters to voters in key Liberal targets.
Camera IconMr Howard has sent out letters to voters in key Liberal targets. Credit: News Corp Australia

In a letter to Kooyong voters, Mr Howard wrote: “You may not think that everything Josh or the government has done is perfect, but how could it be?”

“In these very uncertain times, he and the Liberal team are the best choice to ensure a strong future for our wonderful nation,” he wrote.

John Howard in Glen Waverley
Camera IconFormer Prime Minister John Howard campaigned alongside Chisholm MP Gladys Liu on Tuesday. Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia

Mr Howard sat alongside former prime minister Tony Abbott in Brisbane for the official Liberal Party campaign launch on Sunday.

On the other side of politics, Kevin Rudd has been a strong Labor voice for Anthony Albanese.

And, in a rare campaign pop up of her own, Julia Gillard has urged ACT voters to put Katy Gallagher first on their ballot in a sign Labor is aware it could lose votes to independent Senate candidates.

Originally published as John Howard lends voice to robocalls as Liberal stalwarts sandbag vulnerable seats

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