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Cook MP and Treaty Council director trade barbs over Cape Crusaders Facebook post

A Far North MP has lashed Cape York sovereign nation advocates for a perceived misrepresentation in a social media post but the group has hit back by branding the Member for Cook a “hypocrite”.

The post by Alex Wymarra on the Cape Crusaders page. Picture: Facebook
The post by Alex Wymarra on the Cape Crusaders page. Picture: Facebook

A Far North MP has lashed Cape York sovereign nation advocates for a perceived misrepresentation in a social media post but the group has hit back by branding the Member for Cook a “hypocrite”.

On Thursday a post appeared on the Cape Crusaders Gudang/Yadhaykenu and Friends Facebook showing private investigator Ken Gamble and Indigenous identity Alex Wymarra standing beside the Member for Cook’s parliamentary branding.

Another photo of David Kempton taken during the 2023 election campaign was posted with the caption “solidarity at play, truth telling.”

Mr Kempton said he was furious about the use of his image in a post that he felt may confuse some to think the Cook MP is supportive of activities of the Cape Crusaders group.

“I agreed to have a photo taken and I’ve had no contact with these people since and nor would I want to,” he said.

A selfie taken by Alex Wymarra showing Allen Buck or AJ, the then Cook candidate David Kempton and private investigator Ken Gamble. Picture Facebook
A selfie taken by Alex Wymarra showing Allen Buck or AJ, the then Cook candidate David Kempton and private investigator Ken Gamble. Picture Facebook

“I certainly did not authorise him to use either that photograph or any subsequent election photograph that would associate me with him or that organisation.

“Its misrepresentation.

“I intend to take all action against him and his organisation as provided by law.

“This kind of behaviour … actually brings into question the integrity and efficacy of the councils and other representative bodies up there and I think that’s the real danger.”

Thursday Island born Mr Wymarra is a co-director of the Treaty Council which is a private company that claims to represent “allodial first nation people who want to exercise sovereignty through Indigenous economic treaties.”

The post made by David Kempton in August 2024 when he was the LNP candidate for Cook. Picture: Facebook
The post made by David Kempton in August 2024 when he was the LNP candidate for Cook. Picture: Facebook

Mr Wymarra said he was “surprised” and “disappointed” by Mr Kempton’s reaction to his post given the Cook MP posted the same photo in August last year with a caption stating “there is always room for varying points of view.”

“He has poked the bear, bring it on,” Mr Wymarra said.

“I am actually surprised by David’s reaction, it’s very hypocritical considering the closed

room discussion we had before the state election.

“During that meeting, Mr. Kempton expressed what I interpreted as a willingness to support

the aspirations of the Gudang Yadhaykenu people.

“Mr Kempton seemed open to supporting a shift in how traditional owners are

engaged in Cape affairs.

“The image was not staged, it wasn’t misleading. it represented a moment where we believed dialogue was possible.

“I believed that was a shared commitment to truth-telling and cultural empowerment.

“Now that he’s in office, to see him retreat behind legal threats feels like a betrayal of that spirit.

“I welcome him bringing the legal action on.”

Private investigator Ken Gamble and Alex Wymarra pose up in front of David Kempton's parliamentary insignia outside the Shields St electorate office in Cairns. Picture Facebook
Private investigator Ken Gamble and Alex Wymarra pose up in front of David Kempton's parliamentary insignia outside the Shields St electorate office in Cairns. Picture Facebook

Following recent photos taken at the Consulate General of India published by the Cape Crusaders showing Mr Wymarra with various Indian executives and similar posts with Chinese nationals, Mr Kempton highlighted the need for caution.

“I certainly wouldn’t support the use of public funds to further the aims and objectives of this organisation,” he said.

“This concept of this sovereign nation it has no basis in fact or law and to my way of thinking it’s fanciful

But Mr Wymarra made no secret of enticing foreign Cape York investment.

“International investment across all nations on the continent (is about) closing the gap,” he said.

Mr Kempton said he intended to investigate legal options in response to the post.

peter.carruthers@news.com.au

Originally published as Cook MP and Treaty Council director trade barbs over Cape Crusaders Facebook post

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cairns/cook-mp-and-treaty-council-director-trade-barbs-cape-crusaders-facebook-post/news-story/485bc4a92a2f214a66e19e93b78d3ad4