‘Error of judgement’: Eddy Kontelj has his say on the actions of supporter Tony Siketa

Eddy Kontelj has responded after a supporter of his was captured on camera defacing campaign material belonging to one his election rivals, calling it an “error of judgement”.

An “error of judgement” is how long-serving Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj has described the behaviour of a supporter who was caught on camera defacing the campaign material of a rival candidate.

Mr Kontelj said he was unaware Bell Park butcher Tony Siketa had defaced corflutes belonging to Hamlyn Heights candidate Angela Carr until it was reported in the Addy on Thursday.

Mr Siketa, owner of Siketa Meats, was caught in a sting after Socialist Alliance representatives installed a camera on Hughes St after other posters promoting Ms Carr were stolen or vandalised.

Footage shows Mr Siketa attempting to set fire to one poster, as well as defacing it, about 7pm on September 25.

Two days later, Mr Kontelj posted a photo on social media posing alongside Mr Siketa to promote a “meet and greet” outside Siketa Meats on September 28.

Socialist Alliance has reported the damage to Victoria Police and the Victorian Electoral Commission.

It alleges Mr Siketa removed, cut out, burned and graffitied Ms Carr’s election posters along the Hughes St shopping strip between September 18-25.

Siketa Meats is located just one door up from the property at which the signs were erected with the owner’s permission.

Socialist Alliance candidate for the Hamlyn Heights ward Angela Carr. Picture: Alan Barber.

While describing the actions of Mr Siketa as unfortunate, Mr Kontelj strongly denied the behaviour was in any way misogynistic, as claimed by Ms Carr.

“Of course, it is not something that I condone … I think it was just an error of judgement,” Mr Kontelj said.

“Tony is a really good person and so is the Siketa family.

“They’ve contributed significantly to our community for the past 50 years, particularly in that multicultural sector of Bell Park and Bell Post Hill.”

Mr Kontelj said a dozen of his corflutes had been vandalised, including one that had a swastika drawn on his face.

“We could all go to Facebook and be disappointed about what’s happening,” he said.

“But what I try to do is run an honest campaign.”

Like many council candidates, Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj has had several campaign posters defaced. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Carr is the only female among four candidates in the newly created ward.

She is up against Mr Kontelj, the Greens’ Joey Nicita, and independent Mathew Hood.

The Socialist Alliance candidate posted on social media Thursday morning that “these types of misogynist attacks against female candidates are disgusting and, sadly, all too common”.

“They decrease women’s feelings of safety of running in elections,” she said.

“However, I’m a tough and resilient woman.”

Tony Siketa and Eddy Kontelj promoting a meet and greet outside Siketa Meats. Source: Facebook.

Mr Siketa said he only defaced the poster once and claimed to have only used a marker pen despite footage showing him attempting to use a lighter.

He said he regretted his actions but added that he didn’t realise he had broken any laws.

Police confirmed they are investigating the matter.

Of the total 51 candidates who nominated for Geelong council, 23 are women.

Originally published as ‘Error of judgement’: Eddy Kontelj has his say on the actions of supporter Tony Siketa