Minister Michelle Rowland’s corflutes vandalised in Glenwood

Labor minister Michelle Rowland’s corflutes have been hit with vile graffiti making appalling and unfounded accusations, causing disgust and dismay among her western Sydney constituents.

Vandals who graffitied Labor frontbencher Michelle Rowland’s election corflutes and called her a “Jew hater” in an unfounded attack have been condemned for their behaviour, which has caused distress among western Sydney constituents.

A picture of the defaced corflute was posted on a community Facebook group after it was spotted in Glenwood on Wednesday, leaving residents outraged and dismayed.

A spokesman for Ms Rowland told this masthead the graffiti was “disappointing, hateful and juvenile behaviour” but an “unfortunate reality of some election campaigns”.

“Michelle is always working to unite her community which is one of the most diverse in Australia – and bring people together irrespective of culture or religion,” the spokesman said.

Craig Bounds, who shared the photo to social media, wrote on the post: “It doesn’t matter what your political ad personal views are, this is deplorable and cowardly.”

Michelle Rowland’s defaced corflute. Picture: Supplied

Group administrator Angeliki Dionysatos-Cerasani added: “It’s appalling that anyone thinks this kind of vandalism is acceptable.”

“There is no excuse for this kind of behaviour,” she continued.

Communication Minister Michelle Rowland. Picture: Damian Shaw

More than a dozen residents leapt to Ms Rowland’s defence, with Rissa McInnes saying she had known Ms Rowland for many decades.

“Her exceptional humility, kindness, and dedication to others have left an indelible mark on our community,” Ms McInnes wrote.

“Her compassionate leadership has been instrumental in driving transformative change in Glenwood and beyond, enhancing our schools, parks, hospitals and environments.”

Jillhsiu Franco added: “Such childish behaviour. If you don’t believe in her, just don’t vote for her!”

Wentworth Liberal candidate Ro Knox’s corflutes were also vandalised.

Many other residents decried the incident as “disgusting”, “totally unacceptable”, and “absolutely abhorrent”.

Fiona Arakelian wrote: “Michelle does a lot for this community … this is just not on.”

NSW Police were unable to find any reports of the graffiti and could not confirm if they were investigating.

It is not the first ugly incident of its kind to strike the Federal Election campaign, with Wentworth federal Liberal candidate Ro Knox and Calare federal Nationals candidate Sam Farraway both having their campaign materials defaced with swastikas and Hitler moustaches.

“The defacement of my campaign posters with Nazi symbols and a Hitler moustache is deeply disturbing and has no place in Wentworth or anywhere in Australia,” Knox said in January. “This kind of hate and vandalism is completely unacceptable, and I call on all candidates and parties to stand against it.”

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