One Nation candidate stops campaigning after threats and Nazi vandalism
One Nation candidate Kellie Sheppard cancelled campaign events after threats, doxxing and Nazi vandalism.
After Kellie Sheppard was announced as One Nation's candidate for Benambra, an individual almost immediately obtained her address. People began stalking her Facebook page to gather information about her and her events, then used it in threatening ways.
Sheppard's son, 23, was confronted outside their house. A corflute carrying her image was put up in Mitta.
Within 24 hours, it was vandalised with a Nazi symbol. Sheppard reported the behaviour to local police.
Police escalated the complaint to the Victorian Electoral Commission and the Australian Federal Police because of its political nature. Police and VEC advice led her to cancel all coming campaign events.
The advice includes guidelines to be careful before crossing roads. She still plans to attend a candidates forum on November 11.
- 23 years old
- Son's age
- Mitta
- Corflute vandalism location
- November 11
- Forum attendance date
Why it mattersElection candidates have the right to campaign safely. Intimidation, doxxing and vandalism threaten that right and harm democratic participation.
AustraliaA Victorian election candidate cannot safely campaign in her own electorate, highlighting gaps in candidate protection during Australian elections.
