A Democrats candidate on the New South Wales north coast is giving away free beer in the lead-up to next week’s state election.

Ben Smith is standing in the safe Nationals seat of Ballina.

He says distributing stubbies of beer with his name and picture on the label is a novel way of raising his profile.

Mr Smith says the stunt would make the party’s founder, the late Don Chipp, proud.

“We’re a good commonsense party and this is basically just about the promotion of Australia values,” he said.

“Also I guess having a bit of a laugh and not taking yourself too seriously.”