The article centers on a homophobic outburst by the father of Labor MP Jerome Laxale, which prompted an apology from the MP. The incident unfolded during the 2025 federal election campaign.
The Labor party also accused volunteers from the Heart Party of harassing Laxale by following him, brandishing signs, and making inappropriate comments.
The article further discusses scrutiny surrounding Liberal candidate Scott Yung's campaign finance record from his 2019 state election run and his links to a Chinese Communist Party-linked individual. Yung himself referred to what he believed to be borderline racism due to the scrutiny of his Asian heritage.
The seat of Bennelong, where Laxale is the incumbent, is now considered notionally Liberal, highlighting the tight race between the two major parties.