Labor MP responds to ‘cowards’ who defaced her election billboards with offensive messages

Northcote MP Kat Theophanous has described vandalism of her election billboards as “beyond despicable” and “a direct attack on our democracy”.

Labor MP Kat Theophanous have been defaced with fascist slogans and Nazi symbols in a campaign of vandalism.

Northcote Labor MP Kat Theophanous has slammed vandals who have damaged and stolen election signs as “cowards” and “vile’’, and vowed she would not be bullied.

The state MP’s defiant message comes after more election billboards were stolen and other signs were defaced with offensive messages and swastikas.

“I don’t know who these criminals are or who they are trying to help – but they are cowards,” Ms Theophanous said.

Ms Theophanous’s billboards have been defaced with fascist slogans and Nazi symbols.

Messages scrawled on another of her signs.

The latest overnight thefts were from the site of the Aborigines Advancement League on St George’s Road where a new wellness centre is to be built.

“To steal signs that advertise the fact that Labor is building an Aboriginal Women and Girls Sport and Wellness Centre is beyond despicable.”

“But to steal them from the site of the Aborigines Advancement League in Thornbury – a First Nations organisation which has long fought for racial justice and a better life for Aboriginal people – is vile.”

“This form of racism and sexism is an affront to our proudly progressive community in Northcote. And it is a direct attack on our democracy.”

This billboard cost $2000 to install.

The billboard was torn down after just one day.

“Disturbingly, this kind of extremism is increasingly infiltrating the political landscape. Parties on both the left and the right which cosy up to this element put everyone at risk.”

“To these cowards let me say this: You do not frighten us. You will not deter us. You only steel our resolve to fight for Northcote and for the future of our community.”

A Labor Party campaign spokesperson slammed the damage which included swastikas daubed over the posters.

“This type of vandalism has no place in our democracy.

“And that symbol of hate has no place in our state.

“That’s why Victoria was the first Australian state or territory to ban the public display of the Nazi symbol in recognition of its role in inciting anti-Semitism and hate.”

Security cameras are now in place.

The daughter of former Labor Minister Theo Theophanous, Ms Theophanous won back the former Labor stronghold in 2018 from controversial Greens MP Lidia Thorpe, now a federal Senator.

The vandalism has been reported to Victoria Police. Parliament security has also been notified.