Hart tight-lipped about latest ALP attack

A GOLD Coast MP is refusing to comment on a targeted campaign operating in his seat.

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart, recently dubbed “Rocky Mountains” Hart, has been the focus of a State Government campaign to highlight his absence from an entire session of Parliament earlier this month.

The issue was first unleashed during question time on the final sitting day, when it was claimed the LNP MP was on holidays in Canada.

The ALP has since mounted a letter-drop campaign in the area.

The brochure, which is set to flood Burleigh next week, depicts Mr Hart photoshopped on to an image of the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. A red beanie has been placed on his head.

The brochure reads: “Dear Deb, wish you were here. Michael Hart MP, your local member.”

The “Dear Deb’’ appears to be a reference to his LNP leader, Deb Frecklington.

The campaign appears to be in retaliation to a dirt sheet offensive by the LNP in the seat of Gaven, which targeted Labor rookie Megan Scanlon over comments she made on domestic violence.

Despite the controversy, Mr Hart declined to comment, citing issues with the Bulletin’s coverage on the matter.

ALP state secretary JulieAnn Campbell, who is behind the campaign, said the issue was fair game.

“Michael Hart should be representing the people of Burleigh, not gallivanting,’’ she said. “When MPs check out, Gold Coast locals suffer.”

As of September 1, 2017, the annual base salary for a state MP was $159,122.

Members are expected to seek leave from their party leaders if they are to miss a parliamentary sitting week.

The Government continued with the strategy yesterday in Parliament, with ministers targeting Mr Hart on his return.