Gold Coast Election 2020: Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates stands against men’s rights activist Leith Erikson

Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates is facing one of her toughest campaigns yet - after threats from hooning gangs, she’s now running against a man she previously accused of harassment and intimidation

• ‘This is a new low for Gold Coast politics’
• Volunteer facing ‘disciplinary process’ over Scanlon attack

LNP MP Ros Bates is facing one of the toughest campaigns yet with outspoken critics running in a record field against her in Mudgeeraba.

Despite a margin of 9.8 per cent, frontbencher Ms Bates has been confronted with threats from hooning gangs and was this week targeted by Australian Brotherhood of Fathers (ABF) founder and men’s rights activist Leith ­Erikson.

Mr Erikson was accused of harassment and intimidation by Ms Bates in Parliament in 2017, and has been a significant influence on Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party family law policy.

He last made headlines last year when he claimed the group “produced policy” for One Nation during a discussion with then-senator Malcolm Roberts.

Leith Erikson.

Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Ms Bates, who is a domestic violence survivor, told a 2017 Parliament meeting: “I will not be threatened or bullied by any group of angry men. What I say in this house will not be influenced by threats or intimidation. I will not let those who have committed violence against women influence the laws of this state.”

The Bulletin asked Ms Bates on Tuesday:

● If she stood by her 2017 comments about Mr Erikson.

● If she was concerned about him running in her electorate.

● To specify any harassment received from the ABF.

● If she was concerned about her 9.8 per cent margin given the number of candidates running in Mudgeeraba.

Ms Bates said: “I’m focused on my community, and winning the right to continue representing the people of Mudgeeraba in a Deb Frecklington-led LNP Government.

“A vote for a minority party or an independent candidate will secure another four years of Labor. Queensland cannot afford that.”

Mr Erikson said his decision to run for office was out of frustration with Ms Bates and the family law system.

“I approached Ros Bates almost five years ago to raise concerns about policy failures, as she is my local member,” he said.

“She called the police and then publicly attacked me in Parliament suggesting that I was trying to intimidate her.

One of Mr Erikson’s signs. Picture: Supplied

Mr Erikson’s signs were created by supporters. Picture: Supplied

“Each time I have attended Parliament to lobby other MPs, Ros had me banned from Parliament after making a complaint that I had exited Parliament House without an escort.

“The family violence my sons and I have experienced is why I’m standing as a candidate.”

Campaign signs created by Mr Erikson’s supporters have appeared around the Mudgeeraba area in the lead-up to polling day.

Ms Bates also told Parliament Mr Erikson owed $200,000 in child support payments at the time.

Mr Erikson has confirmed that debt is now around $400,000.

Ten candidates are standing against Ms Bates, who first won the seat from Labor’s Dianne Reilly in 2009. She remains privately confident of improving her margin.

High-profile independent Gary Pead, who ran for Gold Coast mayor during the March local council elections, is among the candidates for the October 31 poll.

Follow @JournoBrenn