Kiama Council mayor Cameron McDonald fuming after image used in Fiona Phillips campaign material
A regional NSW council has accused a Labor MP of using a photo of its mayor in election material without permission, prompting a formal complaint to the election watchdog.
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A regional NSW council has accused a Labor MP of using a photo of its mayor in election material without permission, prompting a formal complaint to the election watchdog.
Kiama Council lodged a formal complaint with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on Tuesday after a printed campaign flyer for sitting Gilmore MP and Labor candidate, Fiona Phillips, was found to prominently feature Kiama mayor Cameron McDonald.
The image displayed showcases the mayor – who has no affiliation to the Labor Party – attending an event at the Gerringong Surf Club.
In a statement, Kiama Council said neither the mayor nor council had approved use of the image.
“Kiama Council has been made aware that the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, has used a photographic image of Kiama Mayor performing mayor duties, in her own campaign related material,” they said.
The council stressed Mr McDonald was not affiliated with any major party, and ran for mayor as an independent in the 2024 local government election.
“A formal complaint has been lodged with the AEC,” Kiama Council said.
Ms Phillips told this publication the flyer was no longer in use.
“A flyer containing a photo of a well-attended community event at the opening of the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club was distributed locally,” she said.
“Kiama Council raised a concern with me about the Mayor being part of that photo on Saturday, April 19.
“The flyer was immediately removed from distribution following council’s request and has not been distributed further.”
But, Kiama Council said the flyer was still in circulation, despite the AEC complaint also demanding Ms Phillips’ team immediately cease using the material.
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Originally published as Kiama Council mayor Cameron McDonald fuming after image used in Fiona Phillips campaign material
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