Gold Coast Election 2020: Candidates slam Clive Palmer’s ‘death tax’ claims
Gold Coast candidates have overwhelmingly slammed Clive Palmer’s death tax ads as “nonsense” – and called for those who promote misleading campaign material to be struck from the ballot.
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GOLD Coast candidates have overwhelmingly slammed Clive Palmer’s death tax advertisements as “nonsense” days out from the Queensland election.
Mr Palmer’s United Australia Party has been advertising extensively on TV, social media and in newspapers claiming Labor intends to introduce a “death tax”.
Labor has rejected the idea, with Tourism Minister Kate Jones labelling it “bulls***”. A supposed death tax, also known as an inheritance tax, was a measure previously used to take a cut of someone’s estate when they died.
Mr Palmer has refused to reveal his source and offered no evidence in favour of his claims.
Candidates across the Gold Coast were asked a series of questions by the Bulletin including:
- Their opinion on the “death tax” claims
- Whether they believe Labor will introduce a death tax
- If they believe there has been an increase in misleading or “tricky” campaign material throughout.
Several have now spoken out about the issue, reporting a spike in “irresponsible” election advertisements.
Gaven Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon said she was not surprised Mr Palmer had “resorted to grubby gutter politics”.
“There is no death tax. There has never been a death tax. There will never be a death tax under Labor.
“It’s an absolute disgrace Clive Palmer is using his millions to bombard people with his lies.”
She called on LNP leader Deb Frecklington to “call out” Mr Palmer.
The United Australia Party’s preferences are tipped to be a boost to LNP MPs and candidates across the state.
Asked about the issue, Gold Coast LNP MPs released a joint statement: “This is a matter for Mr Palmer and his party.”
Mermaid Beach independent Nicholas McArthur-Williams was among those who called for penalties for those who advertised “nonsense”.
“This type of deliberate misleading political advertising should have a penalty of being immediately removed from the ballot paper,” he said.
“There is no room in our democracy for this type of behaviour.
“There is enough misinformation online that, unfortunately, too many people believe. Adding to this is simply irresponsible.”
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