Extinction Rebellion posts Boothby protest pictures as Rachel Swift reports ‘extremist attack’
Candidates for SA’s most marginal federal seat have condemned vandalism on the Liberal campaign office after activist protests on Saturday.
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A police inquiry has been launched after political candidate’s office in the state’s most marginal federal seat was vandalised, sparking condemnation of the “extremist attack”.
The campaign headquarters of Liberal candidate for Boothby, Rachel Swift, was hit with graffiti and other damage during a Friday afternoon protest.
Extinction Rebellion activists posted pictures on social media but refused to comment.
Dr Swift condemned the “extremist and criminal attacks” on her South Road office, at Clarence Gardens, in Adelaide’s south.
“I’ve worked across Africa, including countries where it can be difficult to hold democratic elections,” she said.
“This is unacceptable in our democracy and I’m extremely disappointed.” She said during the last campaign, the Liberal member, Nicolle Flint, was targeted with “extreme attacks”.
She said her volunteers should feel safe at work.
Labor’s candidate Louise Miller-Frost said she was “appalled by this behaviour”.
“The upcoming election should be a contest of ideas about the best way forward for our nation,” she said.
“Australians can and should express their views as a part of the election campaign. There are legitimate ways to do that and vandalism is not one of them.
“I’d call on everyone campaigning, be it online or in person, to be respectful and to afford all participants some common decency.”
Independent candidate Jo Dyer said it was “unfortunate”.
An Extinction Rebellion spokesman said 19 activists had protested in from of Dr Swift’s South Rd office in the presence of police, and had been peaceful and nonviolent.
They said activists used non-toxic, water-soluble chalk to spray the words “What climate plan” and “fund solutions not pollution” on the building and to stencil the footpath. They said activists also used weak glue and tape to attach posters.
“Vandalism entails the destruction and damage to public property and in this instance our action clearly doesn’t rise to that level given it was all washable/removable,” XRSA spokesman Chris Johnson said.
“The only “extremist attack” here is from Dr Rachel Swift and the Liberal Party who refuse to keep Australians safe from the harms of the climate crisis.
“Instead they are subsidising the oil, gas and coal industry with billions of tax payers dollars.
A police spokeswoman said officers were investigating.”
She urged those with “information that may assist the investigation” to contact police.
Extinction Rebellion protesters this week blocked Flinders Street in the city and blasted Midnight Oil music while some glued themselves to the road.
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