Victorian Liberals dump Williamstown candidate over offensive comments
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Paul Lindemann with party leader Jess Wilson. (Facebook)
The Victorian Liberal Party has dumped Williamstown candidate Paul Lindemann over offensive comments it says he made about Indigenous Australians.
In a statement, the party says it has withdrawn its support and endorsement of Mr Lindemann over views he expressed, which had recently come to light.
"These comments are offensive, unacceptable and inconsistent with the values and standards expected of Liberal candidates," the statement says.
"All candidates are expected to treat Australians with dignity and respect. Mr Lindemann's comments fell short of that standard."
The party was not previously aware of Mr Lindemann's comments, the statement says.
Yesterday One Nation dumped former Preston candidate Franco Guardiani over comments he made about Hitler.
The seat of Williamstown has been held by Minister for Jobs Melissa Horne since 2018, and has been won by Labor at almost every election since 1889 on very safe margins.
The former dockyard town is now one of the wealthier seats in the state.
Earlier today, Sport Minister Steve Dimopoulos said Opposition Leader Jess Wilson should dump Mr Lindemann over allegations he insulted and mocked a young basketball player while coaching the Bay City Lakers.
In a statement, Mr Lindemann apologised for his actions and acknowledged he should have "handled the situation differently".
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