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May 5th, 2013 
Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith met with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott today. Picture: Kym Smith
Source: The Daily Telegraph
THE political rumour hounds were set loose in Geelong today when Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith met behind closed doors with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
The Perth-based Roberts-Smith, who was in Geelong for another function earlier in the day, requested the secret hour-long meeting.
“There was nothing political in it, he just wanted to pick Tony’s brains on a number of issues,” a source said.
“He wanted advice on some things.”
Mr Abbott was in Geelong at the end of the 1000 km “pollie pedal” charity bike ride.
Tony Abbott was in Geelong at the end of the 1000 km “pollie pedal” charity bike ride. Picture: Jay Town
Mr Roberts-Smith was surprised to find TV camera crews milling around when he arrived in the foyer of the Mercure Hotel in Geelong and he was reluctant to talk.
The SAS Corporal made his way up to level seven where Mr Abbott’s team was staying and was joined soon after by the Opposition Leader who had been meeting with local Liberal candidates.
This sparked speculation that the Liberals might have snared a gold-plated candidate.
The two men met for an hour and as he left Mr Roberts-Smith was tight-lipped, saying only that he was on six months leave.
Earlier this year News Limited revealed that the VC winner was set to leave the full-time army to pursue a business career.
The VC and Medal for Gallantry holder said “like any member of the ADF, there will come a time for me to move on. However, if and when that time comes, I will remain connected to the SASR, the Army and the ADF.
“While I accept the public responsibilities of holding the Victoria Cross for Australia, I strongly believe that some aspects of my personal and family life remain private,” he said.
Mr Roberts-Smith has formed a company with an old school friend and has adopted a very high public profile since he embarked on his extended leave appearing at events around the nation.
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