General News
7 May, 2025
LNP candidate cops online abuse, even in defeat
Annette Swaine said she wouldn't be deterred from the online trolls.
The LNP candidate for Kennedy Annette Swaine says it has been “disappointing” to receive a string of abusive emails following her election loss at the weekend.
Ms Swaine, who received about 24 per cent of the primary vote, said she felt there was a lot of anger among voters that was being misdirected.
“I heard it over and over during the campaign that people are out there hurting and they are angry,” she said.
“But I just don’t understand why it is necessary for people to write mocking and abusive messages. The people who write these things probably don’t even live in Kennedy.
“I put up my hand to run because I am concerned about what was happening in Kennedy and it’s been a very exhausting and long campaign in a huge electorate.
“It’s disappointing that people have to behave like that after the results are in. I think I am just going to stay away from my emails and my social media for a while.”
Ms Swaine said she remained undeterred and planned to run again at the next federal election.
“You haven’t heard the last from me,” she said.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting so many people and visiting all the smaller towns that don’t get enough attention.
“I am concerned about what is going to happen in Kennedy over the next three years. There are many issues that need to be addressed in the electorate and I just don’t see how Bob Katter is going to be able to deliver.”
Mount Isa’s only locally based candidate Mark Westcott, who ran for Clive Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots, said he was in bed by 8.30pm on election night – long before the victory speeches were being delivered.
He said he was disappointed at receiving less than three per cent of the primary vote.
But he said the campaigning process had taught him some valuable political lessons.
“I wanted to get some political experience and learn about how the system really works,” he said.
“I am quite disillusioned with the political system as a whole, but I am happy that I have been through this experience to see it first-hand.”
Independent candidate Steven Clare said he believed his 1400 votes was a good result for a one-man operation.
“For a bloke who only knew one person in the Kennedy electorate I think I’ve gone alright,” he said.
“I never set out to win this but I wanted to raise the issues I have with the party system who don’t serve the people.”