Mackay Greens candidate Imogen Lindenberg campaigns while on extended sick leave
A Greens candidate has been claiming sick leave at her place of employment for almost two months while also actively campaigning to win the seat.
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A MACKAY state election candidate has been claiming sick leave at her place of employment for almost two months while also actively campaigning to win the seat.
The Daily Mercury understands Greens candidate Imogen Lindenberg has been on paid sick leave from her part-time job at a Mackay bakery since early August.
She accrued the leave over eight years working at the bakery, but has not resigned from her job.
Despite being on sick leave, Ms Lindenberg has been out and about campaigning for the Queensland election since early October.
She attended the Mackay ballot draw on October 11, took part in the Mackay Rainbow Pride event on October 14 and has been spotted at the Mackay Showgrounds early voting centre.
In a statement, Ms Lindenberg said she was on sick leave for personal reasons related to herself and her employer.
When contacted, the employer declined to comment.
"I have worked at my place of employment for eight years and this is the first extended sick leave I have taken," she said.
"My work-related circumstances have no bearing on my campaign or my ability to fight for the people of Mackay.
"This COVID-19 crisis has taken a toll on all of us, and I think it's important that we take care of ourselves and each other."
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Ms Lindenberg also hit back at people she claimed were trying to "smear and defame me".
"I won't let it distract me from fighting for the things I believe in," she said.
"Mackay is struggling under the weight of a jobs and housing crisis and we need bold and innovative solutions to get us out."
Ms Lindenberg said she would continue to work tirelessly for the people of Mackay and fight for free health and education.
Her state election tilt has focused on job creation, greater investment in health care and social housing.
She has vowed to help deliver more than 2500 jobs for Mackay through investment in renewable energy, public housing and health care.
Ms Lindenberg ran for the seat of Dawson at the last federal election and Whitsunday in 2017.
The Queensland Greens Party declined to comment further.
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Originally published as Mackay Greens candidate Imogen Lindenberg campaigns while on extended sick leave