Northcote Labor MP Kat Theophanous has slammed vandals who have damaged and stolen election signs as “cowards” and “vile’’, and vowed she would not be bullied.
The state MP’s defiant message comes after more election billboards were stolen and other signs were defaced with offensive messages and swastikas.
“I don’t know who these criminals are or who they are trying to help – but they are cowards,” Ms Theophanous said.
The latest overnight thefts were from the site of the Aborigines Advancement League on St George’s Road where a new wellness centre is to be built.
“To steal signs that advertise the fact that Labor is building an Aboriginal Women and Girls Sport and Wellness Centre is beyond despicable.”
“But to steal them from the site of the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury – a First Nations organisation which has long fought for racial justice and a better life for Aboriginal people – is vile.”
“This form of racism and sexism is an affront to our proudly progressive community in Northcote. And it is a direct attack on our democracy.”
“Disturbingly, this kind of extremism is increasingly infiltrating the political landscape. Parties on both the left and the right which cosy up to this element put everyone at risk.”
“To these cowards let me say this: You do not frighten us. You will not deter us. You only steel our resolve to fight for Northcote and for the future of our community.”
Read the article by Ian Royall in The Advertiser.