State Election 2017: Michael Hart’s surf rage after rival accused him of using lifesaving to promote campaign
BURLEIGH MP Michael Hart has been accused of using his involvement in surf life saving for political gain. And his actions have landed him in hot water with Surf Life Saving Queensland.
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BURLEIGH MP Michael Hart has been accused of using his involvement in surf life saving for political gain. And his actions have landed him in hot water with Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Mr Hart today claimed Labor rival Gail Hislop was taking a political cheap shot after she complained about a photograph on his how-to-vote form showing him in surf lifesaving gear.
Surf Life Saving Queensland today tweeted that “we haven’t given approval for any candidates to wear the patrol uniform in election advertising. The party has been contacted about this matter.”
Mr Hart today confirmed he was no longer using the leaflets and had apologised to Surf Life Saving Queensland if it had caused any embarrassment.
Ms Hislop told the Gold Coast Bulletin: “Surf Life Saving Queensland is an apolitical and nonpartisan organisation, and I think most sensible people would know that it simply isn’t right for a candidate to trade on their image and reputation for the sake of votes.
“Just like with Rob Molhoek in Southport using the Commonwealth Games mascot on his advertising, Michael is essentially trying to capitalise on imagery that should be above politics, and use it for his own personal gain.”
Ms Hislop said Surf Life Saving had a strict policy which stated the organisation could not be used in political promotions.
“I’m sure he knows that, and yet he did it anyway. He has been asked to remove it off of his how-to-vote cards I understand from Surf Life Saving. They would be ineligible now.
“I have been a surf lifesaver and am disgusted at this use of imagery for political gain. This is typical of the way Michael Hart behaves.”
Mr Hart today described Ms Hislop’s complaint as a “storm in a rubber ducky”.
“I’m involved in surf life saving. I posted it (the photograph) in 2016. I do it every time I’m on patrol to encourage people to go on patrol,” Mr Hart said.
“It didn’t occur to me that I was doing anything in particular to surf lifesaving. Hislop has started a campaign against Surf Lifesaving.”
Mr Hart said the only people who had complained about his how-to-vote forms were a few people from the Labor Party.
“Some have a problem with it, some don’t. Hislop has driven down from her home in Runaway Bay. She has no community involvement,” he said.
“She has taken it upon herself to put a nasty slur on Surf Lifesaving. I can’t allow that to happen.”
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