Candidate condemns ‘coward’ election sign vandals

An independent Tasmanian candidate claims his campaign material, including a massive billboard and trailer, has been attacked by vandals.

Co-founder of the Wooden Boat Festival Ian Johnston with independent Peter George at Constitution Dock in Hobart on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

An independent candidate has condemned the “cowardly” vandalism of his campaign banners and has appealed for greater civility from supporters of all sides in the lead-up to the May 3 federal election.

Peter George says his campaign in Franklin has repeatedly been targeted by vandals.

“I appeal to all campaigns and supporters of all campaigns, including our campaign, to not to damage, not to steal campaign materials” he said.

“So far, we have had four large banners stolen, we’ve had a number of corflutes trashed, we’ve had a trailer stolen and really amazingly we’ve had a huge billboard removed.

“That is a cowardly way to fight an election campaign.

“I appeal to everyone, and that would include our supporters: leave election material alone.

“This is a democratic election. It is the way that Australians do it. We don’t need to trash other people’s materials.”

BEFORE: Independent candidate Peter George says his election campaign material has been vandalised.

AFTER: Independent candidate Peter George says his election campaign material has been vandalised.

Mr George said emotions were running high in the electorate as major parties realised support for independent candidates was growing.

“I think the big parties understand that they may well have lost this election, because in Franklin, particularly, Labor has taken this electorate for granted.

“There is such an amazing groundswell, we’ve already got over 500 volunteers, donations are coming in, large and small, every single day they’re still coming in.

“So, yeah, I think, I think Labor realises for the first time in 18 years, someone is really going to run them close.”

Independent candidate Peter George says his election campaign material has been vandalised.

Franklin has been held by Labor’s Julie Collins since 2007. It is considered a very safe Labor seat, with a margin of 13.7 per cent.

Mr George announced on Tuesday his endorsement by the co-founder of the Wooden Boat Festival Ian Johnston.

The pair unveiled a banner on Mr Johnston’s boat in support of the candidate on the Hobart waterfront.

“Peter represents the best chance of regaining integrity in parliament and improving the social and environmental standards in our state,” Mr Johnston said.

Originally published as Candidate condemns ‘coward’ election sign vandals