Claims Herbert MP Phillip Thompson’s school leavers’ guide was political advertising at teens

A school leavers’ guide delivered to Townsville students has Herbert MP Phillip Thompson in hot water.

A SCHOOL leavers’ guide delivered to Townsville students has Herbert MP Phillip Thompson in hot water.

Claims have been made the guide was political advertising aimed at teens, which is in breach of Education Queensland protocols.

The MP distributed the booklet earlier this year to students saying goodbye to high school.

The booklet, which encouraged school leavers to enrol to vote, was emblazoned with the LNP’s signature blue and yellow colours and logo.

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson speaks about the announcement of a Royal Commission into veteran and serving Defence personnel suicides. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Concerns about the booklet were raised with Education Queensland, which has now clarified the rules with Mr Thompson and school principals across the state.

“The department is aware that a School Leavers’ Guide that contained LNP branding was

distributed in the Herbert electorate,” a spokeswoman for the department said.

“The department’s advertising procedure states that members of parliament can only

advertise their contact details in schools and any materials provided including signage and

advertising must not contain political messages, campaign slogans or political party logos.”

A concerned educator said the booklet was political advertising and election material aimed at teens.

Photos of Phillip Thompson's School Leavers' Guide. Picture: Supplied

The Townsville Bulletin source said it should have been branded with Australian Government logos, not the LNP.

“He’s been employed to represent the school, not take the opportunity under the guise of a document to register to vote for school leavers,” they said.

Photos of Phillip Thompson's School Leavers' Guide. Picture: Supplied

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson. Picture: Alix Sweeney

While the school leavers’ guide breached the rules of the Queensland government, the Australian Electoral Commission does not have rules about election material being distributed to people under 18 years old.

According to the AEC, as long as the material is authorised, there is no limit to the amount, placement or timing of communication under electoral laws.

Mr Thompson told the Townsville Bulletin he had handed out thousands of guides to students leaving school in Herbert.

“My office has only ever received positive feedback about the guides which offer support around workforce options,” he said.

“I recently received notice from the Department of Education about the LNP logo being on the material, requesting that it be removed.

“That request has been acted on immediately, with the logo to be removed from all future guides.”

Originally published as Claims Herbert MP Phillip Thompson’s school leavers’ guide was political advertising at teens