Comedian Dave Hughes has announced his public support for Australia's Liberal party, a significant shift after a lifetime of voting for the Labor party. Hughes, who has become an outspoken critic of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government, stated on Wednesday that he will back Jess Wilson, the leader of the Opposition, in the upcoming Victorian election.
Hughes, 55, expressed his desire for honesty in politics, telling news.com.au, "If I could find any politician who is honest, I'd be happy." He also called for greater transparency in public spending, suggesting "corruption is off the charts" and that politicians do not treat public funds as real money.
The comedian cited recent taxation changes as the primary reason for withdrawing his support from the Labor party. "It is disgusting; we should never vote Labor. You can't change the tax system without letting me vote on it. It is disgraceful," he stated. Hughes also criticized the government's handling of the economy and its approach to debt, referring to the federal government's $1 trillion debt.
Hughes has been particularly critical of the Albanese government's economic policies since the May Federal Budget. He has voiced strong opposition to changes in negative gearing and the reduction of the capital gains tax discount. "Guys, they lied to Australia and you cannot do that," Hughes said earlier this year, adding that these decisions have negatively impacted the housing market and homeowners.
He described the government's spending habits as excessive, comparing them to "drunken sailors." Hughes argued that hardworking citizens are disproportionately affected when their earnings are taxed heavily and then spent on what he deems "absolute rubbish," particularly when it impacts first-home buyers.
Despite his wife's reservations about his increased political commentary, Hughes said he has been heartened by positive interactions with the public who appreciate his willingness to speak out. He recounted instances of people approaching him with gratitude for his outspokenness.