Capalaba MP Don Brown accused of sending ‘misogynistic’ messages to Redlands Mayor

The Premier has been urged by at least two women to intervene over “derogatory and misogynistic” messages made by a Labor MP’s social media account targeting a Qld mayor.

State Member for Capalaba Don Brown called for Redland Mayor Karen Williams to resign in July, 2022. Picture: Richard Walker

Annastacia Palaszczuk was urged by at least two women to intervene over claims of “hateful and bullying” and derogatory online posts made by Don Brown’s social media account months before a Facebook comment made by the senior MP’s this week caused outrage.

In a letter obtained by The Courier-Mail, Redlands Mayor Karen Williams pleaded to the Premier last November “as a fellow female leader” to ask Capalaba MP and government whip Mr Brown to “cease his … attacks” against her.

Ms Williams, who made headlines after a drink driving incident in June last year, wrote to Ms Palaszczuk in November stating “I have received many derogatory, misogynistic, and at times threatening messages” since then.

“These messages of hate and bullying are not a new experience for me … unfortunately, the source of many of these comments is one of your own Members of Parliament, the State Member for Capalaba,” she wrote about the posts made by Mr Brown’s page.

“I have been exposed to … with (social media attacks) taking a significant toll on not only my mental health, but also that of my family, friends, and Council staff.”

Ms Williams said Mr Brown – who caused a furore this week when he used social media to state “youth crime is a media beat-up” – had “made comments about my appearance”.

Redlands Mayor Karen Williams. Picture: Matthew Poon

Among the dozens of posts on Mr Brown’s official Facebook page found by The Courier-Mail which mention the Mayor, one stated: “they’re a 5 but they drink and drive in a council car” – an apparent reference to Ms Williams, and her looks “rating” out of 10.

Other comments, seen by The Courier-Mail, see Mr Brown describe the Mayor as “delusional” and “playing the woman card”.

Mr Brown is currently being sued for defamation by a former LNP candidate for his Capalaba seat Bev Walters, with a Supreme Court date set for November.

Ms Walters wrote to the Premier in late 2021 to complain about the online behaviour of Mr Brown, saying “your continued tolerance of Mr Brown’s public conduct appears contradictory to the reported statement you made in March of this year (regarding online trolling).”

The Premier did respond to Ms Williams’ letter in December – writing to the Mayor “I have always sought to conduct myself as respectfully of others as possible. This is something I likewise regularly encourage all Members of the Queensland parliament to do”.

She did not mention Mr Brown by name, or assure Ms Williams his conduct would be followed up.

On Tuesday Deputy Premier Steven Miles chastised Mr Brown for his social media comments on youth crime, saying: “it was a stupid thing to say, a dumb post, he’s taken it down and that’s appropriate”.

“He can, of course, continue in his role as whip but I’ve said to him, you should be much more careful what he puts on (social media)”.

Ms Williams said the community was “desperately crying out for mature leadership across the board, without the keyboard warriors, finger pointing, and blame shifting”.

“They want respectful dialogue both online and in debate which brings about permanent and positive solutions.

“They want all levels of government working together to find solutions to serious complex issues in our state. Particularly around youth crime, as it won’t be solved overnight.”

Mr Brown and the Premier’s office were contacted for comment.