Candidate slams 'disgraceful' LNP ad comparing him to disgraced former mayor
KAP candidate Mark Molachino has slammed an LNP attack ad comparing him to Troy Thompson released days before the crucial Hinchinbrook by-election.
The Katter’s Australian Party candidate for Hinchinbrook Mark Molachino has labelled an LNP social media ad comparing him to embattled former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson as “disgraceful”.
The ad, which was posted to the LNP’s Facebook page just days before the Hinchinbrook by-election, features photos of both Mr Thompson and Mr Molachino with the statement “let’s not go through this again”, referring to allegations that Mr Thompson was not upfront about his military history and university qualifications.
In Townsville on Thursday, Premier David Crisafulli said it was important that those running in an election were “honest” and accused Mr Molachino of not being open about his history with the Labor Party.
“No one knows that more than the people of Townsville because they were living that nightmare for a year and a half,” he said.
“And I just make the observation, if someone is trying to hide their true colours before an election, chances are they know why they’re running from their record and they know the risk that that brings.
“You’ve got to be honest about your record. And people in Townsville know that because they lived through the saga with what happened with Troy.”
The comments are the latest in a series of ads targeting Mr Molachino over his history with the Labor Party, accusing him of not letting go of his political ties with the party – something Mr Molachino has denied multiple times.
As a veteran himself, Mr Molachino said it was “disgraceful” to see the ad comparing him to a “military imposter.”
Mr Thompson has said he gave incorrect details about his military credentials, but has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The findings of Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission’s investigation into Mr Thompson has yet to be released.
“I have zero similarities with Troy Thompson, zero,” Mr Molachino said.
“The fact that the Premier, who’s never served a day in his life, would compare a veteran against someone like Troy Thompson, I think is disgraceful for all veterans throughout Australia.”
Mr Molachino said he was angry to see the ad posted and said it proved to him that Premier, who was also the Minister for Veteran Affairs, had “no idea how veterans operate.”
“At the end of the day Troy Thompson lied about his military history and the fact that they’re trying to tie me to that, is disgraceful.”
Mr Molachino said he has “never shied away” from his past with the Labor Party, but said as he previously stated that he “walked away” from the party after they were “not willing to change.”
“I know the Katter Party stands up for the same things I do, so that’s why I joined,” he said.
Mr Molachino said he had repeatedly been targetted in social media ads and comments at press conferences during various ministers’ visits.
“[The LNP] continues to fly their minister’s up here … to come up here and attack me the whole time and when they are not talking about their candidates they are talking about me,” he said.
The Premier stood by the increase in trips to the region from his government ahead of the by-election, saying that the area “means a lot” to him and he would continue to “keep coming here.”
“I reckon my harshest critics would acknowledge I’ve spent a lot of time in regional Queensland in the first 12 months and a bucket load of time in Townsville and North Queensland,” he said.
“There’s an opportunity to get someone who will be a strong voice, who will have a seat at the government table, who will be able to drive change. That’s important.”
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Originally published as Candidate slams 'disgraceful' LNP ad comparing him to disgraced former mayor
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