LNP Oxley candidate Kevin Burns’ sign near Anzac memorial blasted as ‘disrespectful’

An election campaign sign metres from a war memorial used at Anzac Day services has sparked community outrage, with veterans calling it deeply disrespectful. Should it be allowed? VOTE NOW

The election sign at the Goodna cenotaph has been branded as ‘disrespectful’ by locals and families of servicemen. Picture: Contributed

A political election sign placed at Ipswich’s Goodna Cenotaph in the lead-up to Anzac Day has sparked outrage among community members and veterans, who say the move disrespects the sanctity of a site dedicated to fallen soldiers.

Goodna local and community advocate Shane Barnes was driving through Ipswich when he noticed the sign for LNP Oxley candidate Kevin Burns, just metres from the memorial.

“It’s just a little bit disrespectful,” Mr Barnes said.

“That memorial honours those who served in World War I and World War II and my own family has ties to WWII.

“To see political signage embedded in the grounds of such a sacred space, especially so close to Anzac Day, just didn’t sit right with me.”

Mr Barnes snapped a photograph of the sign in Queen St and sent it to Ipswich City councillor Paul Tully, as well as others in the community, seeking clarity on whether the placement was legal.

Cr Tully described the sign as “the most disrespectful sign during the entire election across Australia”.

He confirmed that the memorial, unveiled in 1921 by the Governor of Queensland following public fundraising, is a centrepiece for Anzac Day services each year.

“This is the first time in my 50 years in Goodna that any political party has erected an election sign at this sacred site,” Cr Tully said.

“The sign is totally inappropriate at any time, especially near Anzac Day.”

Under Ipswich City Council’s Local Law No. 3, election signs must be placed at least 3.5 metres from the nearest roadway.

An Ipswich City Council brochure setting out the council’s stance on election signs within the city that are on public land.

Photographs of the sign suggest it falls within that prohibited zone, meaning it may be in breach of council regulations.

An Ipswich City Council election signage brochure confirms the rule that signs must adhere to specific distance and location guidelines, particularly when near significant public infrastructure.

While the Australian Electoral Commission confirmed there were no federal restrictions on signage placement except within 6m of a polling booth, signage rules on public land remain under local council jurisdiction.

Mr Barnes said he wasn’t trying to start a political war, but simply wanted to know if the placement was appropriate.

“I just wanted to find out if it’s allowed or not,” he said. “If it’s not, then it should be moved somewhere more suitable.”

LNP signs at The Gap which have also raised the anger of ex-servicemen, who say it is disrespectful to have the signs near memorials. Picture: Facebook

The controversy follows a similar incident in Brisbane’s west, where a sign supporting the LNP candidate for Ryan Maggie Forrest was placed at the war memorial at The Gap.

Ex-serviceman Jason Hunt publicly condemned the move on social media.

“Those flag poles and that space are to commemorate the men and women of our defence force, not to be used as a campaign prop.”

Tyre tracks on the grass near The Gap memorial after election signs were erected overnight. Picture: Contributed

Comments on Facebook echoed widespread community disgust, with users calling the move “disgraceful”, “disconnected from history”, and “devoid of a moral compass”.

As of Thursday afternoon, it was unclear whether the sign in Goodna had been removed.

Mr Barnes said he would revisit the site and Cr Tully confirmed he would follow up with council officers to determine if any enforcement action would be taken.

With Anzac Day just over a week away, many in the community are calling for greater respect around the nation’s war memorials and for politics to steer well clear of sacred ground.

Both Mr Burns and Ms Forrest were contacted for comment.

Originally published as LNP Oxley candidate Kevin Burns’ sign near Anzac memorial blasted as ‘disrespectful’