CAMPAIGN CONTROVERSY INTENSIFIES AS KOOYONG MP FACES DUAL SCANDALS AHEAD OF TIGHT ELECTION
Independent MP Monique Ryan's re-election campaign has encountered mounting challenges after her husband was filmed removing an opponent's campaign sign, compounding concerns about alleged foreign influence among her volunteer base in the hotly contested seat of Kooyong.
The dual controversies have intensified scrutiny on campaign ethics as Ryan battles to maintain her slim 3.5% margin in what was previously considered a Liberal Party stronghold before her surprise 2022 victory over former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Key Takeaways:
Ryan's husband caught removing opponent Amelia Hamer's campaign signage
Incident follows separate concerns about potential foreign influence among campaign volunteers
Electoral contests increasingly scrutinized for ethical conduct amid tight margins
When confronted about her husband's actions, Ryan conceded that "Pete made a mistake. He did something silly and he apologized for it immediately, as did I."
The incident follows separate concerns raised after volunteers wearing Ryan's campaign shirts were recorded claiming they supported her through their membership in the Hubei Association, an organization with alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
Ryan has denied soliciting support from the organization, stating: "Because I don't want there to be any concerns about this, and in the interest of full transparency, I've contacted the AEC and the Department of Parliamentary Services... if you've got any concerns, please investigate."
Coalition spokesman Senator James Patterson called for investigation into potential foreign interference, describing the situation as "very serious" and emphasizing that Australian elections "must be decided by Australians only, not the proxies or arms of foreign authoritarian governments."
Political analysts note that these controversies come at a critical time for Ryan as Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer seeks to recapture the seat that had long been considered safe Liberal territory before Ryan's surprise victory in 2022.
The incidents highlight growing tensions in Australian politics as candidates face increased scrutiny not only for their policies but also for campaign conduct and supporter affiliations.
What ethical standards should we expect from political campaigns? Have you witnessed questionable campaign tactics in your community?
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