Four-against-one in Fannie Bay by-election robbery

A by-election campaign volunteer was threatened by four men and forced to hand-over the contents of his pockets in a disturbing incident.

A CLP campaign volunteer was threatened by four men and forced to hand-over the contents of his pockets in a disturbing incident in Parap on Tuesday evening.

Long-time CLP supporter and former candidate Tony Bacus said he was letter-boxing flyers at the corner of Railway and Drysdale streets for Ben Hosking when he was approached by a lone man seeking money.

When he refused the request he was surrounded by another three men also demanding money, at which he handed them a $10 note he had in his pocket.

“They didn’t touch me but it was threatening,” Mr Bacus said.

“I gave them the money because I wanted them to go away. It was all I had in my pocket to buy something after I’d finished.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro, mugged campaign worker Tony Bacus and CLP candidate for Fannie Bay Ben Hosking.

Mr Bacus said one of the men thanked him and they left the scene.

He says he did not contact police because of the small sum involved and an anticipated delay in response time.

Mr Bacus’ story came to light on Thursday at Mr Hosking’s campaign launch for the August 20 Fannie Bay by-election.

Mr Hosking, who was pre-selected on Monday, said the CLP was campaigning for the re-introduction of the 2km rule to strengthen police powers to control alcohol.

“When I grew up in Ludmilla it was a safe place where families could enjoy evening walks and kids could play in our parks,” Mr Hosking said.

“Now our parks are dangerous and dirty places due to out-of-control crime and anti-social behaviour. If elected I will wake up every day ready to fight for safer streets.”

He said the party would also help ease cost of living pressures by pushing for the government to introduce fuel-price disclosure laws and doubling the solar feed-in tariff.

“Having all the resources at your disposal doesn’t matter if you don’t listen,” Mr Hosking said.

“What’s been really apparent from the door-knocking and speaking to constituents is that they’re not consulted by Labor.

“What we’ve seen from the Labor government is you can have everything at your disposal but if you don’t listen you won’t find the right answer. What the CLP is here to do is find the right answer and work with the community.”

Candidate urges Fannie Bay voters to stick with Government

Mr Hosking, who moved to Palmerston some years ago for work, said he would move back into the electorate.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro welcomed Mr Hosking’s pre-selection, pointing to his strong community ties.

“Ben grew up in this community and went to Parap Primary School,” she said.

“He has a deep and long-standing affection for this community and running for the seat of Fannie Bay for Ben is coming home and giving all his energy to the one thing he loves and that’s serving our community.

“This by-election is going to be about sending a message to Labor. Labor have completely forgotten about Territorians and have taken no action on the issues that matter most to people when you look at the rates of crime and anti-social behaviour, skyrocketing costs of living and issues around lack of integrity and scrutiny.”