A CAMPAIGN spokesman for the Member for New England and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has warned that Police are investigating an incident of vandalism, after offenders broke into a private property and defaced a ‘Better off with Barnaby’ sign with ‘Minister for Rinehart’.
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The sign was requested by the owners of the property. Witnesses reported the offence at Lands Gully near the New England Highway about 1am on Monday morning, but the offenders fled the scene before the police arrived.
Police have called for information regarding the incident.
This is what happens when people from outside the electorate involved in left-wing protest groups get involved.
- Campaign Spokesman for Barnaby Joyce
The spokesman said more than 800 signs had been vandalised or pulled down.
“This is what happens when people from outside the electorate involved in left-wing protest groups get involved. They have no respect for local residents or the law,” the spokesman said.
“This kicks-off a last-minute desperate attempt to try to install a Windsor victory and ensure he is backing Labor’s agenda for the New England.
“Expect a week of protests, illegal activity and bullying as outsiders try and tell the people of New England how to vote.”
I wouldn’t know how many we’ve lost (from) people taking them down.
- Tony Windsor
Independent candidate for New England Tony Windsor said he did not condone the vandalism and encouraged anyone with information to report it to police.
He said he had lost more than a few corflutes too.
“But I’d say to Mr Joyce ‘Welcome to the House of Representatives’, because they’re not cheap, and, unlike him, we don’t have the backing of the mining sector,” Mr Windsor said.
“I wouldn’t know how many we’ve lost (from) people taking them down.”
Mr Windsor said there was one particular spot on the Werris Creek Road where he was losing one corflute every day, after he replaced it every day.
“I’ve taken it as a bit of a challenge upon myself; to re-instate my corflute,” he said with a laugh.
Mr Windsor said everyone was entitled to their different views, but people were also entitled to put signs up.
“Even if you don’t agree with what the sign says, it’s democracy that you’re allowed to say it,” he said.
Mr Windsor said he did not know who was responsible for pulling anyone’s signs down, although (very much tongue in cheek) he had heard on Facebook about an elderly couple in a Peugeot interfering with corflutes about three weeks ago.
“They were noticed at night, there was some significance in the Peugeot apparently, but they were elderly people; obviously waterside workers,” Mr Windsor quipped.