The NSW Liberals are considering offering discounts on products like RM Williams boots, Haigh’s chocolates and Coopers beer to convince more people to sign up as party members, a leaked internal report reveals.
The document from the party’s state executive, obtained by the Daily Telegraph, includes a message from Alex Dore, the chair of a membership working group.
“Given the increasing number of right-of-centre political parties now competing for members, a strong value proposition and competitive membership pricing are more important than ever,” Mr Dore wrote.
“Discount partnerships could be pursued with companies like RM Williams, Haigh’s Chocolate, and Coopers. This would elevate the ‘selling point’ of membership and enable small businesses in the Party to promote their products.”
The party is trying to recruit new members with a NSW election due in early 2019 and a federal campaign expected not long after.
Current prices on the Liberal party website show a basic membership costs $100 for a year, up to $400 for a ‘platinum’ membership or $990 to be a party patron. Young Liberals can sign up for just $35.
Political commentators observed that the Liberal campaign suffered in 2016, despite their slim victory, from a lack of volunteers to man polling stations throughout the day.
The internal strategy document also recommends giving members social media training.
Both major parties are adopting advanced data analysis tools to inform their campaign methods, with the use of tools like NationBuilder and i360 already playing a key role in recent elections.
Labor’s membership fees are $50 for one year or $30 for union members, according to a sign-up form found online.
