Live: Vic Liberals apologise after dumping candidate over anti-Aboriginal comments

Victorians will head to the polls on November 28 to decide who will hold the balance of power in the state for the next four years.The Liberal Party is picking up the pieces today after being forced to dump its Williamstown candidate over offensive social media posts.Thu 12 Nov 2026 at 10:00amThu 12 Nov 2026 at 10:00amHave your say on the Victorian electionWe want to know what's shaping your vote in this election and why.Whether it's the cost of living, housing affordability, crime, regional roads, health care or jobs, let us know in our form below.You can also ask the election questions you want answered from candidates, parties or the ABC.All submissions will be reviewed by a journalist and we may be in touch if we need more information.Thu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:53amThu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:53amJess Wilson 'disappointed' over Liberals candidate vettingLiberal leader Jess Wilson says it's disappointing her party was not aware of offensive comments made by one of its candidates.Yesterday, the party dumped Williamstown candidate Paul Lindemann, over views he expressed on social media about Indigenous Australians which had recently come to light.Appearing on the ABC's News Breakfast program this morning, Wilson said the comments made by Lindemann were deeply offensive."I have the highest of standards when it comes to my team and we acted swiftly to disendorse," she said."It's disappointing that the vetting process did not show this up."Jess Wilson (ABC News)Thu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:49amThu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:49amLiberal candidate for Williamstown dumped over offensive commentsThe 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Lindemann over offensive comments it says he made about Indigenous Australians.In a statement, the party says it has withdrawn its support and endorsement of Lindemann over views he expressed, which had recently come to light."These comments are offensive, unacceptable and inconsistent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 Lindemann's comments, the statement says.The ABC has attempted to contact Lindemann for comment.Paul Lindemann and Jess Wilson (Facebook)Thu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:49amThu 12 Nov 2026 at 9:49amWelcome to the live blogWe're bringing you live coverage today from the Victorian state election campaign trail.After a brief pause for Remembrance Day, Labor and the Liberals will resume their election campaigns, travelling across the state in big campaign buses to visit critical electorates.We'll be bringing you any new policy announcements, plus coverage from the day of public hearings in the Big Build royal commission.