Poll photo complaint ‘storm in a rubber ducky’
BURLEIGH MP Michael Hart has accused his Labor rival of taking a political cheap shot after complaining about a photograph on his how-tovote form showing him in surf lifesaving gear.
Mr Hart confirmed he was no longer using the leaflets and had apologised to Surf Life Saving Queensland if it had caused any embarrassment.
Gail Hislop told the Bulletin: “Surf Life Saving Queensland is an apolitical and nonpartisan organisation, and I think most sensible people would know that it simply isn’t right for a candidate to trade on their image and reputation for the sake of votes.
“Just like with Rob Molhoek in Southport using the Commonwealth Games mascot on his advertising, Michael is essentially trying to capitalise on imagery that should be above politics, and use it for his own personal gain.”
Ms Hislop said the surf lifesaving movement had a strict policy that stated the organisation could not be used in political promotions.
“I’m sure he knows that and yet he did it anyway, she said.
“He has been asked to remove it off of his how-to-vote cards I understand from Surf Life Saving (Queensland). They would be ineligible now.
“I have been a surf lifesaver and am disgusted at this use of imagery for political gain. This is typical of the way Michael Hart behaves.”
But Mr Hart described Ms Hislop’s complaint as a “storm in a rubber ducky”.
“I’m involved in surf lifesaving,” Mr Hart said. “I posted it (the photograph) in 2016. I do it every time I’m on patrol to encourage people to go on patrol. It didn’t occur to me that I was doing anything in particular to surf lifesaving. Hislop has started a campaign against surf lifesaving.”
Mr Hart said the only people who complained about his how-to-vote forms were a few people from the Labor Party.