Former Labor leader Mark Latham insists he's putting mateship ahead of politics by speaking at a Sydney Liberal Party event.
But he wouldn't call it a fundraiser.
Mr Latham will address the Northern Sydney Conservative Forum next month in Roseville on the topic of the "fight to save our civilisation".
He will speak about why social conservatives and social democrats have found common cause, according to the fundraiser's flyer published by The Australian on Thursday.
"Be a bit careful of fake news," he told 2GB radio, insisting he's never heard of the local councillor referred to as the organiser in the paper's report.
The former leader said he accepted an invitation from conservative columnist Tom Switzer.
"As far as I'm aware it's not a Liberal Party fundraiser," he said.
Mr Latham believes the $85-a-head fee would just cover expenses.
"I'm putting mateship ahead of any party politics that might be involved."
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was up to Mr Latham what he does.
"I can't see me doing Liberal fundraisers in the near future," he told reporters in Melbourne.
