Email fail: Rapid correction after campaign mailout breaches rules

A Labor MP has been forced to issue a rapid correction after his office staff were used to help organise the election campaign for Logan’s new mayor.

Member for Logan Linus Power

A Labor MP has been forced to issue a rapid correction after his office staff were used to help organise the election campaign for Logan’s new mayor.

A leaked email from the Yarrabilba ALP branch requests supporters who could assist the campaign of candidate Jon Raven phone the electorate office of Labor Member for Logan Linus Power.

Under parliamentary rules, MPs are banned from using their electorate facilities and materials for party political campaigning.

“Party member Jon Raven is standing for Logan City mayor,” the internal Labor branch email read.

“We are asking if you are able to assist Jon’s campaign.

“If you can assist please contact by return email or call Dani/Kylie on 3445 2100.”

The phone number is linked to the Hillcrest electorate office of Mr Power.

The third-term Labor MP, who is not accused of wrongdoing, said he was unaware the email would be sent and, when he was made aware, asked the Labor branch to reissue it with a different phone number.

“An email was sent out with my office contact details without my knowledge,” he said.

“At our request they sent out a second email correcting that.”

Mr Power, elected in 2015, said he had consistently given clear instructions about separating campaigning from the work of his electorate office.

Queensland parliament rules note a member’s electorate and communication allowance “may not be used to meet expenditure for ... political party activity”.

A letter of complaint was addressed to Clerk of the Parliament Neil Laurie, however Mr Laurie said he had no record of the parliamentary service receiving it.

Logan is considered a safe Labor seat, with Mr Power holding it on a 13.4 per cent two-party margin.

Heavy swings against Labor in its nearby heartland seats of Inala and Ipswich West in March have buoyed LNP hopes it will force the government to spread campaign resources to sandbag its backyard. LNP operatives are hopeful the government’s struggles in health, crime and cost of living will deliver significant swings.

Mr Raven was elected Logan City Council mayor in March with a convincing 55 per cent of the first-preference vote.

The former Logan deputy mayor received campaign support from state and federal Labor MPs.

Mr Raven, through Logan City Council, was contacted for comment.

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