Who would take a risk with this toxic politics?
SAFETY
I was deeply saddened by the article (' Zoe Daniel feared for her safety in toxic election campaign ', 16/5) in which former MP Zoe Daniel (pictured) detailed the fear for her safety and life in the recent federal election campaign. There is a side issue here. Namely that young people will move away from being involved in the local political scene due to its potential for violence. Until now we encouraged their involvement: whether in the selection of the candidate, as a volunteer in the many aspects of a local campaign, or as a scrutineer on election night. That is true democracy in action.
We need to learn how to call out bad behaviour safely in all areas of our lives and be models on how to be involved in the democratic process.
Maree Williams, Kew
Display of dignity
At last the truth about the toxic campaign in Goldstein is starting to emerge. As a resident of the electorate I was frequently angered by the offensive rhetoric used by several of the organisations cited in The Age 's report. No wonder Zoe Daniel felt concerned for her and her family's safety. We are all losers when political candidates of any persuasion are subjected to such appalling tactics during an election campaign.
Hopefully the next campaign in Goldstein is characterised, on all sides, by the dignity and integrity shown by Daniel and her team this year.
Judy Williams, Beaumaris
Election distraction
What a load of self justification and blaming from Zoe Daniel for her election loss. Typical of the teals, who are effectively a political party with Climate 200 funding and policies.
Brian Murphy, Balwyn North
Too smart to enter politics
After reading her interview, I feel for Zoe Daniel and the trauma she suffered due to the ugly political climate of the last election. We've seen two politicians murdered in the US and it's a deeply disturbing state of affairs. I first encountered a bizarre incident going to see a film in Brighton where a volunteer for Zoe Daniel entered a cafe after her shift and was verbally abused by a passionate supporter of Tim Wilson, which nearly led to an altercation.
I intervened and thankfully through humour diffused the situation. I know some outstanding women who would make wonderful contributions to public life but sadly they are much too smart to enter politics now.
Sally Walcock, Toorak
Nastiness on both sides
It's time Zoe Daniel accepted the fact she lost her seat and moved on. That she and her supporters are still seething about the result is obvious, yet she blames everyone but her own side for the conduct of the campaign. Tim Wilson experienced first hand just how nasty anti-Liberal campaigners could be – even a month after the election he was bailed up by an aggressive activist while being interviewed by The Age in a cafe.
Greg Hardy, Upper Ferntree Gully
Fresh threats
Tim Wilson was able to keep his hands clean while the Liberal Party hid behind so-called third parties, and their deluge of disinformation, to do their dirty work. Third parties represent a growing threat to our democracy as local groups supporting community independents are mostly unable to match the large donations these groups receive. They are often funded by a small number of wealthy individuals, many with ties to fossil fuels and mining and invested in maintaining a two-party system.
With new donation laws limiting spending by candidates in future elections, one needs to ask whether limits also need to be applied to these groups or limiting campaign advertising to only those candidates and parties seeking political office. Otherwise we will end up going down the political path of the US.
Robert Campbell, Brighton East
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