Election signs in the firing line as Lyne campaign heats up

CANDIDATES from across the political spectrum have complained of campaign signs being damaged and defaced during a tense campaign for the seat of Lyne.

Earlier this month, Libertarian candidate Mark Hornshaw told NOTA his campaign banner on the Pacific Highway at Herons Creek had been vandalised.

The banner featured images of Mr Hornshaw and Libertarian Senate hopeful Craig Kelly.

“It looks like it was slashed with a knife,” Mr Hornshaw said.

“It was erected on private property with permission from the owner.

“The message of less taxes, more freedom seems to be hitting a nerve with some people.

“Perhaps the haters couldn’t find any Teslas to torch.”

Mr Hornshaw told NOTA he has had other signs defaced through the campaign.

Corflute signs for Independent candidate Jeremy Miller and Labor candidate Digby Wilson were also recently found discarded together under a tree at Tea Gardens.

Dr John Squires, the secretary of Independent Lyne which supports Mr Miller’s campaign, said the destruction of campaign materials is undemocratic.

“It is disappointing to find that some people are taking it upon themselves to remove the signs erected by candidates in the current federal election, and [it is] frustrating for those who have given of their time and energy to erect those corflutes to find them removed, disfigured, or discarded,” Dr Squires said.

“That’s hindering the free expression of opinions that is at the heart of our democracy. It should not be happening.

“[Voters] are free to express their opinions about the policies and even the personalities of the candidates in each election.

“Associated with this right is the expectation that they will not hinder or obstruct other people as they exercise their right of free speech.”

National Party candidate for Lyne Alison Penfold told NOTA her campaign materials had suffered a similar fate, ranging in size from small corflute signs to the side of a semi-trailer.

“It is disappointing that hundreds of my signs and billboards have been damaged, defaced, destroyed or outright stolen throughout the electorate,” Ms Penfold said.

“My hardworking team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to replace or repair signs that have been damaged, which only adds to the expense of our campaign which is entirely funded by our party and party members.

“My campaign has already referred one instance of damage to our signs to police, and I urge anyone who witnesses candidate signs being stolen or defaced to do the same.”