LABOR has gone on the offensive in the Albury Council election race by declaring its full support for candidate Christian Kunde.
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The trainee doctor stepped down from the recent Farrer federal election campaign when reports surfaced linking him to Islamic extremism.
Mr Kunde has been recruited to the Labor election ticket of Cr Darren Cameron, who is seeking another term on September 10.
Cr Cameron said evidence existed of Mr Kunde being the target of a Liberal hatchet job in the recent federal election.
NSW Labor leader Luke Foley also defended his party's decision to re-endorse Mr Kunde.
"Mr Kunde has given firm undertakings to Labor that he does not share the views of any extremists and that he condemns their views," Mr Foley said.
But unlike the federal campaign, Cr Cameron said his running mate wouldn't be standing aside in the council battle.
"I am concerned the Liberal Party will trot out the same dirty tricks campaign as they did during the federal election," he said.
"Sussan Ley gave a faint apology at the declaration of the poll recently.
"But it would be truly disgraceful if the local Liberal members stooped to the same tactics again.
"Christian has issued a definitive statement to set the record straight."
The Liberals are not running a ticket in the council election, but former mayor Alice Glachan is a party member.
The Liberals are not running a ticket in the council election.
But former mayor Alice Glachan, who is running as the No.1 on an independent ticket, is a Liberal Party member.
Albury MLA Greg Aplin couldn't be contacted for comment by The Border Mail.
A spokesman for Mr Aplin has also been approached for comment.
Mr Kunde made the decision to step down from the federal campaign so his circumstances wouldn't be a distraction for Labor.
Mr Kunde said his views on many issues in the federal campaign were
"grossly misrepresented".
"I am opposed to and condemn all forms of political violence and terrorism," he said.
"I condemn Hizb-ut-tahrir and any similar organisations.
"I am a committed supporter of marriage equality.
“Australia is a multi-faith, multicultural society.
"We are at our best when we set aside fear and discrimination to focus on inclusion and participation."
Mr Kunde's decision to step down from the federal campaign was welcomed by party leader Bill Shorten.
Labor was criticised by Liberal MPs for failing to do sufficient background checks on candidates.
But Mr Kunde's plight was in stark contrast of Labor candidate Anne Aly in the the seat of Cowan.
Accusations she provided support to a radical Muslim preacher as part of a NSW court proceeding were dismissed as a "desperate smear" by Mr Shorten.
