Scott picked for ‘looks’

Tracey Spicer for The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 August 2013

A whistleblower claims Opposition Leader Tony Abbott tried to block Fiona Scott's preselection because ''she was mainly chosen for her looks and her father's money’'.

Photo:  Fiona Scott, Liberal candidate for Lindsay, Rob Homer

Mr Abbott allegedly told a former priest, Kevin Lee, that the Liberal candidate for Lindsay was kept away from microphones in case she ''put her foot in it’'.

''It's pretty sad if female candidates are chosen on their physical appearance rather than their proven leadership experience, or competence in advocating for the issues in the community,'' Mr Lee said. 

A spokesman for Mr Abbott said he ''often meets with members of the public who are interested in running for Parliament.

''He did meet with Kevin Lee but that is an inaccurate account of the meeting’'.

Mr Abbott has been criticised for describing Ms Scott and former Lindsay MP Jackie Kelly as ''young, feisty'' and having ''a bit of sex appeal'' on Tuesday.

In 2010, Mr Lee met with Mr Abbott, who attended the same seminary, to discuss running for the seat of Lindsay, where he grew up.

Mr Abbott allegedly said he ''wasn't happy'' Ms Scott was chosen.

''I will need to speak to a few people and if you get a phone call from Bill Heffernan, you're in,'' Mr Abbott allegedly said.

Mr Lee said Mr Heffernan did not call him in 2010. 

Mr Lee said his conversations with Mr Abbott took place in the Opposition Leader's Sydney office in 2010 and at several Liberal Party fund-raising functions over recent years. 

Feminist Jenna Price from the lobby group Destroy the Joint said she was disappointed by the whole episode.

"I’m saddened that men are still reducing women to appearance. It’s not the behaviour we expect of leaders," she said.

The candidate, Fiona Scott, and the Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury, declined to comment.