I FIND it particularly concerning that in the lead-up to the coming election there appears to be a concerted attempt by the LNP to peddle disinformation about the Community Independent Deb Leonard in the seat of Monash.
Russell Broadbent has represented the seat of Monash since 2004 as part of the LNP up until the end of 2023, and currently as an Independent when he was not chosen for preselection by his own party.
During the time of Monash being regarded as a safe seat for the Liberals nothing much was done. We were ignored and taken for granted. Enter Community Independent Deb Leonard and
suddenly in Monash we are being promised the ‘long awaited’ rebuilding of Warragul Hospital where land has been set aside for years.
Suddenly we are being promised money towards a pool in Phillip Island, which they have been advocating for since 2012. Roads in Leongatha, bypass in Drouin, the list goes on. It would seem that the coalition are running scared that they may not be re-elected to the seat of Monash.
More recently I have received a spate of leaflets in the letterbox casting doubt on her Independence as a candidate and worse. I have forwarded one of these to the AEC as it was so factually incorrect.
Several letters to the editor in various local papers are also continuing with this theme. In order for an election to be a fair and balanced representation of candidates it is a good idea for voters to look beyond the party hype and make clear decisions of whom you would like to represent your values and interests for the advancement of our Country.
Deb is an Independent, there is no “teal party”. Despite current disinformation, Deb is not aligned with any other party. She will consider each piece of legislation on its merits and how it aligns with her policies which are all formed from the feedback of our electorate. I encourage voters to visit her website to consider her policies and find out for themselves that as a community independent, she runs on integrity and transparency, something which is sadly lacking from the major parties.
Sadly, it is not illegal to lie in political advertising and that is why the Liberal Party can get away with these “fear and smear” campaigns. You will not find leaflets in your letterboxes from Deb spreading disinformation about other parties, she has risen above that kind of fear mongering and presents a positive and transparent campaign which I find refreshing.
Julianne Spithill, Inverloch
