Each-way bet

The Australian reports:

The lobbying firm of NSW Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios (above) has started donating to the Labor Party, in an apparent nod towards the likelihood of Bill Shorten taking up residence in The Lodge. Mr Photios confirmed yesterday that his firm, Premier State, had for the first time joined the Federal Labor Business Forum and had spent $22,000 this year via the forum to attend Labor functions.

Last year, Mr Photios hired ­Sabina Husic — an ex-staffer to Labor premier Kristina Keneally, one-time NSW opposition leader Luke Foley and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Since joining Premier State, she has been ­attending state Labor fundraisers in the lead-up to the March 23 state election.

Mr Photios’s donations were yesterday criticised by Liberal senator Jim Molan, who told The Australian: “Good Liberals support the Liberal Party. I support the Liberal Party. Michael Photios should do exactly the same.”

Senator Molan, as widely reported, has been bumped down the ticket to the unwinnable fourth spot.

UPDATE:  While pledging his support for the Morrison government and desire to see it returned, Senator Molan also suggests Liberal voters in NSW might want to stick a thumb in the eye of “the party bosses” and vote below the line.