‘I’ve made a mistake’: Coalition candidate, Bree James, apologises for Hitler post

The LNP’s candidate for Barron River Bree James has admitted that it was a “silly mistake” to post a joke about Hitler-inspired graffiti on one of her campaign posters, asking voters to forgive her before they cast their ballots later this week.

LNP Candidate for Barron River Bree James fields questions at the Tjapukai pre-polling centre in Smithfield. Picture: Adam Head

The LNP’s candidate for Barron River Bree James has admitted it was a “silly mistake” to post a joke about Hitler-inspired graffiti on one of her campaign posters, asking voters to forgive her before they cast their ballots later this week.

A media pack swarmed Ms James at a pre-polling booth in Smithfield on Monday afternoon, with the region’s possible next MP having received strong condemnation from political, religious and human rights leaders across the country.

The criticism was sparked by an image Ms James uploaded to social media of a campaign banner featuring her with a Hitler-esque toothbrush moustache.

The post by LNP candidate for Barron River, Bree James, which has subsequently been deleted.

The post – which was quickly deleted – promoted a German festival and included the comment: “Even my banner is getting in the spirit and celebrating my German heritage”.

Wearing sunglasses while speaking to voters on Monday, the Cairns businesswoman said she was deeply sorry for the offensive Facebook post.

“I’m a human. I’ve made a mistake,” Ms James said.

“It was a poor taste joke. It was a really silly mistake and I really regret it.

“I’m really sorry and I hope people will forgive me for it.”

Ms James has apologised for the post. Picture: Adam Head

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the electorate demanded better of its elected representatives and called for Ms James to withdraw from the race.

“Bree James is unfit for office,” he said.

“This is not the first time she’s made an error of judgement. I would never put up something like that.

“If you want to be a member of parliament, you need to exercise better judgement around things like your social media.

“If I had done something stupid like that I certainly would have offered my position up to the Premier.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford says Ms James should have been disendorsed as a candidate by the LNP. Picture: Adam Head

But Opposition spokesman for attorney-general Tim Nicholls said the Ms James was back on the hustings, where she belonged.

“She’s been a great candidate for the last 12 months or so, raising matters of concern in her community,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Obviously, that post was offensive, unacceptable and it has been taken down.

“But Bree is back out there campaigning again, talking to people at the pre-poll booths for the next five days about a fresh start for Queensland.”

On Sunday, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich said Ms James comments and photo were an “insult to the millions of innocent lives lost during the Holocaust”.

Originally published as ‘I’ve made a mistake’: Coalition candidate, Bree James, apologises for Hitler post