‘Not enjoyable’: Police probe ‘gunshot’ voicemails sent to LNP candidates

Authorities have confirmed that a disturbing voice message sent to the LNP’s two Far North candidates is under investigation with both political aspirants vowing to hold firm in the lead up to election day.

LNP candidate for Leichhardt Jeremy Neal. Picture: Brendan Radke

Authorities have confirmed that a disturbing voice message sent to the LNP’s two Far North candidates is under investigation with both political aspirants vowing to hold firm in the lead up to election day.

A Queensland police spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday that they are aware of suspicious phone calls made to Kennedy hopeful Annette Swaine and Leichhardt contender Jeremy Neal.

Annette Swaine is the LNP’s candidate for Kennedy. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Neal admitted the chilling five-minute message featuring gunfire led him to fear for his family’s safety but added that he was determined to stay on the campaign trail.

“There was a huge reflection afterwards,” he said.

“It’s quite concerning with a young family. If I win, I’ll be away from them for 20 weeks a year.

“The first thing you think about is your family. I have three young boys and an amazing wife. You worry about them.

“But the reason I’m running is because we have all these issues at the moment. I really want to do my part.”

The paramedic said that he rejected any assertion that talking about the incident was politically motivated.

“No. It’s a huge concern for your safety when you get a voicemail with gunshots,” he said.

“It’s not enjoyable to receive that. I’m not calling out or blaming anyone for it. I just want the police to investigate it.”

ALP candidate for Leichhardt Matt Smith is mulling over matching a $15m investment in a high performance centre at Barlow Park ahead of the federal election. Picture: Samuel Davis

ALP candidate for Leichhardt, Matt Smith condemned the threatening messages, adding that he had contacted Mr Neal to check on his welfare.

“Political campaigns can really bring out the best and worst in people and unfortunately we have seen a rise in these types of threats towards candidates across the political spectrum,” Mr Smith said.

“All candidates should be able to speak to voters and focus on the issues that matter to them.”

On Tuesday, the Coalition announced that, if elected, it will launch a review into the retention and recruitment of police officers across the country.

“On average, our police officers are only staying in the job for three years,” Senator Susan McDonald said.

“When I speak to them, they are feeling unsupported and that this is a job they don’t want to stay in.”

In January, the Cairns Post exclusively revealed that the Far North held the highest vacancy rate in Queensland of 13.2 per cent, with a shortfall of 118 sworn officers across the region.

LNP Kennedy candidate Annette Swaine pictured at the Edmonton polling booth on Tuesday, April 22 with LNP member, Colin Ford. Picture: Facebook

Meanwhile, LNP powerbroker Colin Ford has been removed from polling booths after upstaging a press conference held by Greens senator Larissa Waters in Cairns earlier this week.

“That’s been addressed,” Mr Neal said. “I said take some time to cool out and I’ll talk to him after the election.

“I discussed it with Colin and we addressed it internally. He’s taken a bit of time out of the booth and we’ll keep going with our election campaign.”

Originally published as ‘Not enjoyable’: Police probe ‘gunshot’ voicemails sent to LNP candidates