Free beer offered by Democrats candidate
Ben Smith, the Australian Democrat’s Candidate for the seat of Ballina, has thrown some life into what has been one of the most boring State election campaigns in many a year.
Rather than promises of bypasses, schools, hospitals, water and new highways, Mr Smith is offering free beer.
Mr Smith has teamed up with Brewtopia to make the very first Election Beer in the history of Australian politics.
A self-described underdog in the seat of Ballina, held very firmly by National incumbent Don Page, Mr Smith says he wanted to do something unique for his campaign but also do something that represented the traditional Aussie values
“Election campaigns can be sometimes boring and frustrating to the typical voter,” he said.
“I came up with the idea of having a chat with Brewtopia, the makers of custom labeled beer.
“I love sitting around and enjoying the occasional beer with my mates and I felt that it would be a great idea if I could do the same with the Ballina electorate. I think Don Chipp, the founder of The Democrats, would have loved this idea.
“We reckon that had Mark Latham employed the same tactics in 2004, we’d be under a Labor government right now.”
Managing director of Brewtopia Larry Hedges said: “It’s smart move by Ben, moving the debate away from water and focusing on a element close to the Australian public hearts.”
In the week leading up to the election, Mr Smith in co-operation with Brewtopia will be freely distributing the Ben Smith brew to licensed pubs and clubs for distribution throughout the electorate.
Licensed pubs and clubs within the electorate should contact Brewtopia or Ben Smith’s office for more details to get their hands on the brew quickly as supply is limited and orders for the free beer are expected to be filled fast.
“The beer has won a number of national awards and is brewed by one of Australia’s top brewer’s, Brian Watson, so as well as being a great promo item, it also tastes great!” Mr Smith said.
“If anything, at the end of all this, it’ll be a great honour to be the first person in Australian politics to do their own election beer.”
For further information please contact:
Ben Smith, Candidate for the Seat of Ballina, Australian Democrats, Ph: +61 2 6681 5101 Ben.smith@nsw.democrats.org.au
Larry Hedges, Managing Director, Brewtopia Ltd, www.brewtopia.com.au Ph: +61 2 9008 1343 beer@brewtopia.com.au
