Lambie stands by charged candidate
JACQUI Lambie is standing by Braddon candidate Rodney Flowers, who is facing charges for allegedly riding a quad bike in the restricted Arthur Piemen area.
Rodney William Flowers, of Forest, south of Stanley, has pleaded not guilty to charges and is due to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on February 28 for a hearing — three days before the March 3 election.
Mr Flowers is charged with failing to stop on the direction of a police officer, driving outside a designated vehicle area, and a breach of pass conditions.
“Rodney Flowers has my full support,” Ms Lambie said.
“My mate Rod is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
“Rodney Flowers came to the JLN as a proud Tasmanian, a successful farmer and businessman and with a public background as an activist for what he and his community believe in.”
Ms Lambie told ABC radio yesterday Mr Flowers had informed her of the charges when she interviewed for preselection.
Mr Flowers has been a long-time campaigner for reopening tracks in the Arthur Pieman area which were closed by the Labor-Green government.
Braddon Liberal MP Adam Brooks said, if the allegations were true, Mr Flowers should be condemned for his actions.
“If true, these are the type of d...head-like actions which could seriously compromise getting the tracks reopened,” he said.
“We have fought long and hard to get these tracks reopened, and this sort of stuff only serves to give fodder to the Greens who want to keep them shut.
“Reopening the tracks requires serious work in order to address all Federal Government requirements.
“Mr Flowers’ alleged actions highlights the type of risks in voting for the Lambie Network.”