Charity endorsement used ‘without consent’ in battle for Brisbane
A children’s charity has accused the LNP member for the marginal seat of Brisbane of using a quote from its CEO in election material without consent, saying it was provided months earlier for a community flyer.
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A charity has accused federal Member for Brisbane Trevor Evans of using an endorsement from its CEO in election material without its consent, saying the quote was provided months earlier for a community newsletter.
A flyer was distributed in the Brisbane electorate this week featuring The Pyjama Foundation CEO Bronwyn Sheehan, a former Queensland Australian of the Year, endorsing Mr Evans as “seriously supportive of our local community” as well as being supportive of the charity.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission rules clearly state a charity cannot “promote or oppose a political party or a candidate for political office” or risk deregistration.
The Guide Dogs Victoria CEO was recently stood down after appearing in material endorsing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in his seat of Kooyong.
Ms Sheehan was featured in the flyer distributed this week among a range of endorsements from Brisbane residents and business owners, including former LNP councillor Geraldine Knapp.
But in a statement, a spokeswoman for The Pyjama Foundation said they provided the quote from Ms Sheehan on March 8 to be used for a “community newsletter in relation to a local partnership”.
“Neither Bronwyn Sheehan, nor the Board of The Pyjama Foundation consented to the use of the quote in recently distributed material, delivered this week,” she said.
“The Pyjama Foundation has been in contact with the office of Trevor Evans to ensure that they cease the distribution of any further promotional collateral that features CEO and Founder, Bronwyn Sheehan.”
She said the charity was aware of its obligations and did not endorse or oppose any political parties or candidates.
“Our consent would not have been provided for the material publication, if we had been
contacted,” she said.
Mr Evans said it was not unusual for hardworking member of parliament to receive supportive comments recognising that work.
“I’m proud of my longstanding support for the Pyjama Foundation – and dozens of other local community organisations and charities in Brisbane – and will continue to work hard to secure them federal funding and other support that lets them deliver their valuable services in our local community,” he said.
Originally published as Charity endorsement used ‘without consent’ in battle for Brisbane
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