Chinese Australians say Coalition’s rhetoric on Beijing could see voters ‘switch from Liberal to Labor’

Chinese Australians say Coalition fearmongering during the election campaign could backfire with many voters switching from Liberal to Labor. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Chinese Australian community leaders are warning the Coalition’s use of hardline rhetoric against China is turning voters off – and that it could potentially cost the government in Bennelong.

The electorate in Sydney’s north-west has a sizeable Chinese Australian population and internal Labor polling suggests it could be winnable even though it’s held by the retiring MP John Alexander with a 6.9% margin.