Mayoral candidate Amy Eden takes issue with rival’s criticism, calling him a ‘disgraced’ former policeman

Mayoral candidate Amy Eden has turned on the burners after being criticised by rival candidate Paul Taylor last week, calling Mr Taylor a “disgraced” former police officer.

Amy Eden has called Paul Taylor a “disgraced” former police officer after his criticism of her and other mayoral candidates last week. Picture: File photos

Mayoral candidate Amy Eden has turned on the burners after being criticised by rival candidate Paul Taylor last week, calling Mr Taylor a “disgraced” former police officer.

Mr Taylor criticised his rivals after he was the only one who attended the Queensland parliament Youth Justice Reform Committee hearing in Cairns last week.

“Neither our current Mayor, Cr Eden, nor any other representative from the CRC was anywhere to be seen,” he said.

Ms Eden responded by questioning Mr Taylor’s record as a senior police officer.

Mr Taylor made a point about being the only mayoral candidate that attended last week’s Youth Justice Reform Select Committee in Cairns. Picture: Dylan Nicholson

“Community safety is something I’ve been engaged in and campaigned about for some time now and my track record on this issue is clear,” Ms Eden said.

“In my capacity as councillor, last year I wrote to the premier and opposition leader. I’ve met with and written to Michael Healy. I attended last year’s public committee and I attend QPS hosted forums and meetings regularly.

“I publicised this specific forum on social media channels last week and I encouraged community members to attend and express their concerns on this important issue facing our city.

Amy Eden said her track record on anti-crime advocacy is clear. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“What has the disgraced former police officer Paul Taylor achieved on the crime prevention front in the last two years since his forced resignation?” she asked.

“And how effective would he actually be in engaging with a force he left under something of a cloud? Simply attending one forum in election mode and then metaphorically pushing other candidates under the bus is quite a low act I’d say.”

Mr Taylor said he would not get into a war of words with Ms Eden.

“I’m not going to get into gutter politics,” he said.

“I’m just focused on my campaign and delivering more for Cairns, including making the region safer.”

Originally published as Mayoral candidate Amy Eden takes issue with rival’s criticism, calling him a ‘disgraced’ former policeman