
https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/liberal-candidate-zoe-mckenzies-federal-election-marketing-posters-and-campaign-car-defaced-in-flinders-electorate/news-story/9cabcff47645afb5311f37bb6f979518?net_sub_id=282058248&type=curated&position=1&overallPos=2
One or more perpetrators used black spray paint to write sexist and graphic language on advertising material. Picture: Supplied
‘A Liberal candidates’ Federal Election campaign posters and vehicle were vandalised overnight in what has been described as a “personal” and “nasty” attack.
Graphic and sexist language was scribbled across the advertising material belonging to Zoe McKenzie, who is contesting for the Victorian seat of Flinders.
One or more perpetrators used black spray paint and wrote offensive phrases such as “liar”, “grub”, “f**k you”, and “grubby c***” on corflutes in the electorate.
A swastika was also drawn across her forehead on at least one of the posters.
Ms McKenzie’s team shared a video of her trashed campaign vehicle to her official Facebook profile which showed sexist language written on all sides of the car.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said it was “utterly disgraceful and unacceptable”.
“The vandalism and language are shocking. We expect in our democracy to be able to debate the issues in fair and a balanced way,” he wrote in response to the clip.
A spokesman for Ms McKenzie said the signs have been targeted and defaced across the electorate since February.
“With our campaign car being defaced overnight with the most vile language, it is now clear that there is an orchestrated campaign which goes well beyond vandalism and now includes damage to property and threatening attacks,” they said in a statement.
“It is personal, nasty and does not reflect the Peninsula community we all know and love.
“Our party and independent opponents say they want to see more women in Parliament and when they get a strong female candidate, this happens.”
SkyNews.com.au was also provided with a photograph of another Victorian Liberal candidate whose poster was defaced.
Liberal contender for the seat of Dunkley and former Survivor Australia contestant, Sharn Coombes, had her eyes scribbled out and the swastika symbol drawn across her forehead.
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, described the rise in the use of the symbol, once used by Nazis, as “troubling” and condemned the actions.
“This is a hate crime, pure and simply and the escalating virus of Neo-Nazi vandalism has that is spreading like wildfire has to stop,” he said in a statement.
“We deplore these ugly actions for what they are: a direct assault on our democracy and our share ideals.”
He added it was an “insult” to the memory of brave Australian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II when it fought Nazis.
SkyNews.com.au has contacted Victoria Police for comment.’https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/liberal-candidate-zoe-mckenzies-federal-election-marketing-posters-and-campaign-car-defaced-in-flinders-electorate/news-story/9cabcff47645afb5311f37bb6f979518?net_sub_id=282058248&type=curated&position=1&overallPos=2
THIS WOULD BE A HATE CRIME IF PERPETRATED AGAINST A LEFTIST!