Michael Sukkar: Deakin MP could have used Scouts pictures without permission

A Liberal MP has refused to say if he got permission to use scouts pictures in a newsletter, despite the organisation’s stance on not appearing in election materials.

A federal MP and Scouts Victoria have dodged questions on whether pictures of two groups in Melbourne’s outer east were used in election campaign material without permission.

The latest edition of Liberal Michael Sukkar’s Deakin Community News, branded the ‘Election Edition’, contains two pictures of the MP with the 1st Heatherdale Scouts and 3rd Croydon Scouts, spruiking his achievements of delivering new facilities.

The newsletter is believed to have been distributed throughout the electorate, with Leader readers from Forest Hill and Vermont confirming they received it in the mail mid-last week.

Michael Sukkar has used pictures of scout groups in his federal election newsletter, possibly without permission from Scouts Victoria. Picture: Supplied.

Scouts Victoria’s guidelines for “local political engagement” advises that its members “do not involve ourselves in any election materials like brochures, posters and billboards”.

It also advises members “refrain from appearing in photographs for candidates that could be perceived as promoting one” when the government enters a caretaker period.

In a statement, Mr Sukkar said the government had provided more than $1m to upgrade 10 local scout and girl guide halls and facilities, and informing the community of the taxpayer-funded projects “is appropriate and important”.

“As Deakin MP, I am incredibly proud of the Scouts and Girl Guides movement in my electorate,” he said.

“The photos included in the latest edition of the Deakin Community News were official shots from events marking the completion of projects funded by the Federal Government.”

Mr Sukkar did not say whether his office approached Scouts Victoria for use of the photos in campaign materials, or if the organisation gave permission.

Leader understands at least one of the groups did not get contacted about using its photo, taken almost two years ago, in the latest newsletter.

An Australian Electoral Commission spokesman said the use of the pictures in the newsletter was “not something for which the AEC has any oversight”.

“The only requirements under the electoral act are that any communication about electoral matters is appropriately authorised, and that it doesn’t mislead with regard to the voting process,” the spokesman said.

Scouts Victoria executive manager Jon McGregor did not say if permission was sought from Mr Sukkar’s office to use the photos in the publication.

But Mr McGregor said it was “common” for photographs to be taken while groups met with politicans and understood they “may use images for promotion”.

“We’re fortunate to receive support across party lines from all levels of government,” he said.

“We hope that by providing opportunities for all parties to engage with Scouting we remain bipartisan and balanced.”

The latest incident comes after fellow Liberal and federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was forced to cover up a picture of himself with scouts on posters earlier this month.

A member of the group complained to the Kooyong MP’s office, saying they did not give permission for their photo to be used, leading to stickers being put over the picture.