Tony Abbott slams offensive posters as ‘a new nastiness in Australian politics’

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has responded to offensive posters featuring his face and the words ‘c**t’ and ‘Pell’, which were plastered across the Warringah electorate overnight.

One of the posters near to Mr Abbott’s office

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Tony Abbott has described the offensive posters which appeared overnight as “a new nastiness in Australian politics”.

Residents woke across Warringah this morning to find posters featuring Mr Abbott’s face with offensive words plastered across his forehead.

Many have the words “100% c***” while others have the word ‘Pell’, in reference to his connection with the disgraced Cardinal.

Others have “Coal lobby” printed across his forehead.

Offensive sign of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Spit Road in Seaforth. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Abbott said he had never seen anything like it, adding: “I think this is a new nastiness in Australian politics.

“I’m not for a second suggesting any of the candidates in Warringah are doing this but it is a fact there are some pretty nasty people who want change here in Warringah.

“I say to all the decent people here in Australia if you want to try and lift the tone of public life and quality of our national conversation then don’t in any way give aid and comfort to these nasty elements.”

Police have confirmed numerous calls have been received from members of the public reporting the offensive posters.

They appear to have been placed for maximum exposure with many along the busy Manly Rd, Spit Bridge, Military Rd corridor.

There is also one in Henrietta Ln, just a stone’s throw from Mr Abbott’s office.

Another of the posters on Spit Road in Mosman. Picture: Tim Hunter.

It comes as Mr Abbott prepares to face Zali Steggall in a one-on-one debate this afternoon.

The Manly Daily/Sky News event starts at 4.30pm.

It will be broadcast live on Sky News and the Manly Daily website.

They have also appeared in Sydney's Inner West.

When asked about the posters this morning, he said: “Well it is not about me. It is about the contest which is, yes, a local contest but it is going to have enormous ramifications for our country.

“We know the election is tight and what that means is the result here in Warringah will impact the result in Canberra.

“A protest vote in Warringah could produce a Labor government in Canberra so that’s why I keep saying over and over again that the only way to get a good government in Canberra is to vote for the Liberal candidate here in Warringah.”