Malcolm Jones, and the Marijuana Freedom Party Scam

From: "Andrew Kavasilas" <akavasilas@hotmail.com>

Subject: Marijuana Freedom Party

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 17:42:47 +1100

On Monday morning I phoned Lee Rhiannon, during this conversation she mentioned the Marijuana Freedom Party (MFP). I said I was aware that this party was seeking registration in NSW. She asked if I knew the person mentioned in the AEC notice Colin Ellison, I said I did not, but I and others were looking into the nature of the MFP Party. She mentioned same other names that could be linked to this Party, but as yet these names have not appeared connected to this application. I phoned the AEC and they were very helpful in relation to my request on information about the application of MFP. I explained that I am with the HEMP party and that we are seeking NSW party registration as well. During this conversation they explained at what stage the processing of the MFP application was, they explained that the application came in a couple of months ago at that during the preliminary processing it was found that many of the 750 members were not on the electoral roll. The party was informed and had undertaken to get the right paper work into the AEC. As per process, the AEC had sent out a letter to 300 randomly selected members, of which at least 75% must respond. The AEC informed me that it was unlikely that the party would have enough responders to gain registration. As to my protest and explanation that the MFP is a front Party for some deceptive motive, they said that the recent changes to the registration requirement were supposed to make sure that this type of thing doesn't happen again. I was subsequently supplied with the following name and phone numbers of the MFP. Colin Ellison, Ph.4572 3733 who's name appears on the AEC notification, also Thomas Liptack, PH. 9481 0196 as the agent for the party. I phoned Mr Liptack and was given a mobile number 0412060886. I tried this number and left a message. I then phoned Mr Ellison, there was an answering machine which gave me a mobile number to call, 0419296495. I rang and had reached Water Ski Resort, Pitt town and was speaking with a person called Steve. He informed that Colin had just bought a new house at Macgraths Hill and that he was looking after the place while Colin was moving. Steve then kindly gave me Colins mobile number 0412292101. This number was answered by a man with an Afrikaans accent, he said he was Colin Ellison and that he was involved with the MFP. I said that I was with a cannabis interest group and that I was interested in the policies of the MFP. He seemed a little caught short and wanted to know if I was with the media. I assured him I wasn't and that our group didn't like the media either. He asked what group I was with; I said a medical cannabis information service. I explained that our group is closely monitoring the medical cannabis situation in NSW. I asked if he was aware of this current debate, and he said he wasn't, but would like to know more. I again asked about the policies of the party and from where they had obtained such a membership, I said that I had never heard of the MFP. He said that the party has only just got registered and that he was still trying to get things in order. He offered several times that when he got the membership stuff in order he would send me them. He asked my name and email, I gave both and again asked about policies, he said that the party was new and that they hadn't got that stuff together yet, but again offered to send me these things once he had got them together. On Tuesday morning I had a message on my message service. It was Thomas Liptack, returning my calls from the previous day. He gave me the number 9481 0196 and explained that he was in Melbourne yesterday and that's why he couldn't get back to me. I phoned this number and Thomas Liptack answered the phone, I introduced myself and asked about the MFP, He explained that he doesn't know anything about the party and that he was asked to do some secretarial work for them. He said the politician Malcolm Jones was the organiser of the party and gave me Mal's mobile number 0409603121. During our conversation I explained that I was with a medical cannabis group and not a recreational one. He stated that the party was into all that, and people should be able to do what they want as long as it's above board and regulated. I said that I was going to be in Sydney this week and that I was going to try and catch up with Colin. He knew to whom I was referring and said I should call Malcolm for more info. I asked if Malcolm was in State or Federal parliament, he answered State. I phoned the Government switch and enquired about Mr Jones, I was advised that Malcolm Jones is an MLC and represents the Outdoor Recreational Party, his office number is 92302752. I was advised that he is addressed as the Honourable Malcolm Jones. I have not rung him as yet.

From: "Andrew Kavasilas" <akavasilas@hotmail.com>

Subject: 1st conversation with Thomas Liptack

Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2002

On Tuesday the 22/1/02 at approx 4:05pm, I phoned the Hon Malcolm Jones regarding the Marijuana Freedom Party (MFP). I asked if he knew anything about it or its policies, he said "I don't know what you are talking about" I said "Thomas Liptack is the agent for the party and he gave me your personal mobile phone number so I could get more information on the party. Thomas said you are the organiser of the party." He said "I don't know anything about it' I said "do you know Thomas Liptack" He said "No I don't know who your talking about". I explained that I am with a medical cannabis group and our members want to know about policies of the MFP, Thomas said to speak to you about it. He said "I don't know anything about the party". I said "Have you ever heard of Thomas Liptack" He said "I vaguely recall the name". He again discounted any knowledge of the party and conversation ended.

From: "Andrew Kavasilas" <akavasilas@hotmail.com>

Subject: 2nd conversation with Thomas Liptack

Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 23:49:18 +1100

On Tuesday the 22/1/02 at approx 4:25pm, I phoned the registered agent of the Marijuana Freedom Party (MFP) Thomas Liptack. I explained that as per his advice I phoned Malcolm Jones and asked about the policies of the MFP, but Malcolm said he didn't know anything about the party. Liptack explained immediately that "Malcolm instigated the party and he got Colin Ellison and me to do the administration stuff" He added that this occurred "during a drunken luncheon, one might say" I said "Malcolm is saying that he doesn't know what I'm talking about" Liptack then said "Malcolm is the major instigator and now he is passing the buck, he initiated the party and he's been promoting it". I explained that I am with a medical cannabis group and that we want to find out about the policies, he said "I thought Malcolm had all the policies and all that stuff together" I said " It's sounding very political to me" He explained that Colin Ellison is diametrically opposed to any drug use altogether, he and his sons are into water skiing and are against all drug use" he went on to say that "Malcolm had explained to Colin and me that the only way to stop drug use was to get involved, and that is how we got involved" Liptack stated that "Colin went into it to help his mate Malcolm, and I'm like an overseer" Liptack went on to say that "I just had to put off a reporter from Lismore, because it looks like Malcolm is passing the buck. It's getting pretty embarrassing now; I'm passing people like you on all the time now". I said "It doesn't sound very good" he said "I'm going to speak with Malcolm and get to the bottom of this and get back to you, I've got your phone number and I'll ring you when I have more information". I gave Liptack my contact number in Sydney and said I'll be there till late tonight. I thanked him and our conversation ended. -----

Michael Balderstone
NSW HEMP President
51 Cullen St,
Nimbin, 2480
Phone: 02) 6689 1842
The article in the "Northern Star" today, written by Sarah Price, (phone 02)6620 0533) mentioned Thomas Liptack said he'd been asked, (while on a 4-WD trip in the outback with Malcolm Jones) to join the MFP, and Jones was behind it. He joined because, "Jones needed some manpower"...he said, "It was more a case of getting roped into a political exercise..."

See Andrew's emails below, and; Refer to the story on Tuesday by Joseph Kerr, in the Sydney Morning Herald on page 3.

Thomas Liptack might talk to you.

He talked to the Northern Star yesterday, his number is; 9481 0196.

Michael

Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2002

HEMP PRESS RELEASE

The Marijuana Freedom Party a FAKE says HEMP!!

The Hon. Malcolm Jones MLC is the behind the scenes organiser of the MFP, says their party Agent, Mr Thomas Liptack. He admitted to an officer of the HEMP Party on the phone that, "I don't know anything. I was geed-up to do some secretarial work. Malcolm Jones is the organiser." Mr Jones is best known for his success in multiplying 7,000 primary votes into an NSW Upper House seat in 1999. He did this by a byzantine arrangement of preference deals. The largest contributor to which was the erstwhile and bogus "Marijuana Smokers Rights Party". HEMP believes the formation of this spoiler party is another blatant attempt to deceive the electorate, pervert the democratic process, and is deliberately designed to split Mr Jones' opponents vote. People in favour of cannabis law reform should not be deceived by this scam! The Help End Marijuana Prohibition Party is officially objecting to the AEC of the registration of the Marijuana Freedom Party.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!