Former Pauline Hanson adviser John
Pasquarelli has officially been denied the right to rejoin the Victorian
Liberal Party – or has he?

Pasquarelli tells Crikey that his
membership cheque was cashed on March 20. Crikey reported back in May that he
had applied to rejoin the party he belonged to for more than 20 years – but
that his membership would have to be approved by the powerful admin committee.

Admin rejected Pasquarelli last month.
State director Julian Sheezel wrote to formally inform him of the decision in a
letter dated July 14 – yet he has also received a letter dated July 12
welcoming him on board from state party president Russell Hannan. “Your
membership and involvement is the lifeblood of our great party,” it reads. “You
and thousands of our fellow Liberal across Victoria are the
Party’s most important resources. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.”

Which one applies? Pasquarelli says he has
legal advice that by accepting his membership fees, the Victorian Libs have
entered into a binding contract. He doesn’t intend to cash the refund cheque
Sheezel has sent him.

And if it comes to what Pasquarelli calls
“a drumhead court martial”? Well, he’s going to have some fun. Not that he’s
impressed by the organisational skill the Victorian Libs are showing in the
lead up to November’s state election.