McFeely awaits Liberal Party decision

McFeely awaits Liberal Party decision

Peel Hotel owner Tom McFeely is awaiting his fate on a possible career change into politics next month.

McFeely is seeking endorsement as the number two Liberal Party candidate for the Northern Metropolitan Region Upper House seat in Victorian Parliament.

The Victorian division of the Liberal Party is set to meet on August 1 for pre-selection.

“We’ll see what happens,” he told Southern Star.

In other news McFeely made a surprise announcement this week that he will organise another gay awards night for Melbourne in late November.

The awards night – dubbed the Gay Retail and Hospitality Awards Melbourne (The GRAHAMs) — will be an industry night for gay business owners, workers and performers to kick up their heels.

“What I’m trying to do is have a night that recognises the gay scene as in the hospitality businesses and those businesses associated with it,” he said.

“It’s about businesses doing a self-congratulatory once a year … non apologetic party.”

Differing from the theatre set up of the ALSO Awards, The GRAHAMS will be a sit down dinner event at a venue yet to be announced.

McFeely said hosting The GRAHAMs is not an attempt to upstage the ALSO Awards saying the two served different purposes.

“I’ve been going to the various awards for 16 years and there have been good ones and bad ones for various different reasons, but I’m well aware there was feeling the [ALSO] awards are community based.”

“I think there is room for both, and it does mean the community can be more focused around [the ALSO Awards] and be given the respect they’re due, that way those who want the flamboyance and a more sit down scenario can have it”

“The last thing you want is half the people feeling pissed off that the one thing they attend isn’t for them, so perhaps this way everyone will be happy.”

You May Also Like

11 responses to “McFeely awaits Liberal Party decision”

  1. Tom the Liberal Party needs a champion of Gay Rights. I think you not supporting Same-Sex Marriage speaks volumes about your political intentions. What is the difference between you and Julia Gillard

  2. How refreshing to read Matthew Blackwells articulate and thought out comments. For some reason there are some within our community who simply do not like the fact that we are all individuals with differing views and beliefs. As for “gay rights”. I believe that my fight to be the only legal “Gay” venue in the world speaks for itself.

  3. I dream of an Australia where our government dares to protect all and stand up against those that crush the freedoms of others. A country where we are treated as people first regardless of who we are, and all the majestic colours of the rainbow are celebrated.

    Together we can believe. Together we can dream the dream. Supporting political parties that dream with us will lead to full equality for all Australians, and help influence the world to see all the colours of the rainbow.

    Tom McFeely has demonstrated he does not dare to dream. Being a Liberal Party member who openly does not support Same-Sex Marriage makes me question his values. I have to ask what other colours of the rainbow does not see.

    http://www.theage.com.au/national/libs-want-gay-hotel-owner-for-state-seat-20100508-ul2x.html

  4. This is to Dave..

    You should really check your opinion basis.. Tom McFeely is one of the only actually LEGALLY MARRIED gay men in this country..

    We are all quick to tear someone down through what we is said about the person… yet does anyone actually fact find these days before spilling there often harming and realistically pathetic take on someone else life and often with a self riteous approach..

    Upset reader of the disaray our “community” seems to be in at times..

  5. well maybe it’s just me, but I think there is a bit more to do with this story Eric..
    Firstly as someone how has been going to the Peel for at least 18 years I would doubt I have ever made myself so well known to the Peels security, that they would be able to ban me from a comment that I made from a faceless profile on facebook… You have no face picture on your profile, just your obvious political propaganda, begging the question is this a set up for political mud throwing.
    And as far as your dig at Mr McFeely’s shameful running for the Liberal party. If he found this comment to be so offensive to himself why is it still on facebook months later. if he was upset I doubt he would continue to let people read it when I guess the peel facebook group is ran by his own staff. A quick look at your own profile shows you are a member of Socialist Alternative, and Socialist Worker, yes socialists have done great things for GLBTI . Look at Vietnam there are no same sex rights for couples, and don’t even get me started on the history of treatment of our community in China and Russia. Also you support Students for Justice in Palestine , a country where Male homosexuality is illegal and has no civil right laws that protect LGBT people from discrimination or harassment. it seems you a quick to judge Mr Mcfeely on one or two liberal party views that you may not agree on, but support other organizations whole hearted. Or could it be like Mr Mcfeely you support a group for its overall views and agendas hoping that within time they will come round to a better focus on all human rights .
    I wish Tom Mcfeely good luck if he gets endorsement as the number two Liberal Party candidate for the Northern Metropolitan Region. I wont be voting for him but if he has to deal with this kind of rubbish in order to serve his beliefs, he has my respect.

  6. Eric

    I too find it hard to believe that our security staff would have taken this issue upon themselves. This morning is the first time I read your comments, and frankly you’re entitled to say whatever you like. We’re a democracy. Say what you like; vote how you like; We’re ALL entitled to have our INDIVIDUAL beliefs and views, and I for one don’t JUDGE others simply because of their political views. You’re more than welcome to come to The Peel and speak to myself or management regarding your “barring” – Again that none of US know about.

    In the meantime take care love

  7. Tom,
    Eric is my name. I’m not making any of this up. Go to the Peel Facebook page and look at comments by “others”. There you will find it, from months ago, the initial comment that I have been barred from the Peel for posting.

    I find it very, very, very hard to believe that the bouncers would have taken this issue upon themselves, searched through the web page for people who left unappreciative comments and then decided, unilaterally, that a lifetime ban was in order.

    P.S. Saying that it is “shameful” for a gay person to run for the Liberal party is not “Bitching”, as you would have it.

  8. I have spent 3 days investigating who ‘Eric’ is and what the hell he is talking about in relation to being ‘barred’ because he apparently made comments about me online. Firstly, I can’t find his comments anywhere. Secondly, even if I did, I happen to believe in democracy and freedom of speech – say what you like Eric love. Thirdly, Eric, please contact me direct and tell ME when this alleged barring happened, because I nor any of my management have a clue about this. Give me details please or are you just playing dirty tricks Eric – or whoever you are!

    To everyone – Seriously, if I barred everyone who bitched about me, I’d be a very lonely bar owner!

  9. Tom McFeely has banned me from ever going to the Peel again because I wrote on the Peel’s facebook page that it was shameful that he was running for the Liberal party.

    Is this someone that we want representing the gay community? Someone who silences dissent. And by the way, that is not a legal basis upon which to deny someone entry into a nightclub Tom.

    Not a particularly good start to a political career.

  10. I think Tom is quite aware of the backlash if such a decision is made. While i’m entitled to my opinion, like anyone else, lets just wait and see.

  11. I really hope he does not get it. I do not want a member who does not support Same-Sex Marriage.

    What other rights does he not support? The Liberals will use him against us all.