New Liberal candidate for Whitlam claimed ‘Marxist brainwashing’ happening at Australian schools

Nathaniel Smith, previously a NSW state MP, is a member of the party's religious conservative faction

• Election 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaign
• Polls tracker; election guide; full federal election coverage
• Anywhere but Canberra; interactive electorates guide
• Listen to the first episode of our new narrative podcast series: Gina
• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

The new Liberal candidate for the seat of Whitlam once claimed school students were being brainwashed" by Marxist and woke ideologies.

Nathaniel Smith, a former MP for the NSW seat of Wollondilly, replaces another candidate dumped by the party for his controversial views.

Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter