LIBERAL candidates have been forced to disclose whether they have visited a sex shop or “premises involving male or female strippers” while providing details of any “sexual encounters”.

Prospective candidates are also being asked to detail any past sexual “encounters” as part of an exhaustive screening process that has been implemented as the party moves to avert future damaging scandals.

However, Liberal insiders say questionnaire is a joke given many incumbent MPs would fail the test.

media_camera Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee.

With both parties desperate to avoid a damaging scandal, each have implemented a rigorous candidate screening process to weed out potential troublemakers.

While both include questions about debts, corruption watchdog investigations and criminal charges, the Liberal Party goes a step further with questions about past and present dalliances.

Questions include whether there have been “any sexual encounters or relations” that “if they became public” would embarrass the party.

Applicants must also disclose whether they have ever visited “a sex shop” or “a premises involving male or female strippers”.

The party also wants to know if applicants have been previously married, and the any “issues” with ex-partners and family members that could negatively impact on candidature “if they were to become public”.

Applicants must also inform officials if they have ever accused anyone of sexual harassment, or been the subject of such a complaint.

The party also wants to know about past or present drug addictions, whether legal or not, drinking problems and if treatment has ever been sought.

media_camera NSW Premier Mike Baird with his wife Kerryn, son Luke and daughters Cate and Laura, after claiming victory in today's State election. Photo: Tim Hunter.

Applicants must also reveal if they have suffered from any physical or mental ailments, together with any time spent in public or private institutions for treatment.

Other topics relate to outstanding gambling debts “which might embarrass you”, tax returns and donations to a rival party or candidate.

Any letters sent to editors, Facebook or Twitter posts and “oral statements” that were critical of the Liberal Party must also be detailed.

Councillors seeking to enter federal politics must also list issues raised by opponents during their previously campaigns.

A senior Liberal source said sitting MPs are also required to take the test except those in uncontested seats.

“For example, Bronwyn Bishop would have had to do it,” the source said.

“It is a bit extreme.

“Every bloke that’s been to a bucks night would have seen a stripper or visited a sex shop, and if they say they haven’t, they’re lying.”

Another Liberal questioned whether it was appropriate to ask candidates about their mental and physical wellbeing.

“It does cross the line as to what is appropriate in my view,” the source said.

So exhaustive is the questionnaire that some Liberal insiders joke that many sitting MPs would fail should they be forced to sit the test.

“It’s the actions of the incumbent MPs after they are elected that bring the party into disrepute,” one party source said.

Labor also want to know if candidates have been bankrupt, charged with a criminal offence, been involved in civil proceedings, described as “unreliable” by a judicial officer or “any other matters that relate to you which have the potential to bring the party into disrepute.”

The party also requires applicants to provide a 500-word essay on why they want to represent the party.

Applicants failing the test but still keen to have a crack at politics can try their luck with the Greens with the party adopting a more open policy with regard to prospective candidates.

media_camera James Ryan, Greens Senate candidate.

Greens NSW campaign co-ordinator James Ryan said the party focused on attracting candidates who supported the principles of ecological sustainability, economic and social Justice, peace and nonviolence and grassroots democracy.

“The Greens are not afraid of having candidates who have been active in campaigns to protect our forests, our land and water and our rights at work,” he said.

“Often our candidates have been involved in civil disobedience while they stand up for what matters.”