Quarrel over councillor’s voter brochure escalates
VETERAN Gold Coast City councillor Daphne McDonald has been accused of publishing unauthorised comments of support by a surf lifesaving club in a brochure to voters.
The Independent Council Election Observer (ICEO) has confirmed it is investigating after a complaint about Cr McDonald by Division 13 rival Bern Young.
Cr McDonald strongly denied the accusations yesterday, saying they are “unfounded and untruthful as will be proven”.
“This attack on my character, my integrity, my honesty, my honour before even given the opportunity to present all the facts is appalling.”
In a message to members, Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club president Mary Farrell wrote: “You may have seen or been made aware of recent published communication by a Division 13 candidate that included a photo of me and comments made from myself as the president of the Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
“I wish to inform you that the comments were not authorised and should not have been published. The Palm Beach Surf Club does not endorse or support political candidates or look to influence our members during elections.
“It is unfortunate that this has occurred and I have written to all candidates confirming the club’s position to ensure it does not affect any relationship or association with our club.”
In the councillor’s brochure, Ms Farrell is reported as saying: “Many new members probably don’t know how valuable your (Cr McDonald’s) support has been over many years. Without your diligent, persistent help our club would have struggled to survive the threats of developers that have knocked more than once.
“You address issues promptly when they are raised and continue to check-in after the fact. We are very grateful for your sincere interest in the welfare of our club, the wellbeing of our members and whole community.”
Ms Young, a journalist and experienced ABC 91.7 presenter, said she had asked the ICEO to review endorsements on Cr McDonald’s six-page brochure, authorised by the councillor and delivered to homes in Division 13.
She said she had been informed that comments attributed to Ms Farrell “were not authorised and should not have been published”.
A spokesman for the ICEO said: “Ms Young’s request together with her subsequent email and relevant documentation supplied by her were today forwarded to Cr McDonald who has been asked to respond,”
The ICEO was launched on December 4 and created to enhance fairness and truth in the conduct of the 2020 Queensland local government elections, which has sparked 76 requests from 60 people.
Rival candidate Katrina Beikoff late yesterday accused Cr McDonald of censorship, alleging she was trying to shut down posts on community Facebook pages.
“Rather than retract the fake endorsement, withdraw the election material, or apologise, she’s now censored our community’s ability to discuss it,” Ms Beikoff said.
Cr McDonald said: “Let me state clearly, everyone who supplied me with a testimonial were made aware it was to be used in my election material.
“Gratefully, in a digital world my archives and backups record and keep every email, every photograph, and testimonial sent to me. Date, time, sender and receiver accurately there for all to see.
“The claim by Bern Young and Katrina Beikoff that anyone believed I wanted them for a newsletter is another ridiculous accusation. Just read the testimonials, clearly everyone knew where their endorsements were to be used.”