A Labor candidate in Townsville has been caught on camera verbally threatening a Liberal National Party volunteer during pre-polling, directly contradicting her initial denial of the incident occurring.
Video Evidence Contradicts Initial Denial
Labor candidate for Townsville, Ann-Maree Greaney, initially denied any confrontation occurred when questioned by the Townsville Bulletin on Tuesday. However, video footage obtained by the publication clearly shows the heated exchange between Greaney and LNP volunteer Bob Rogers outside the Early Voting Centre at 151 Sturt Street.
The incident occurred around 2:30 PM on Tuesday, with the video capturing Greaney approaching Rogers and stating: "I know where you live, I know where you work, I know where your wife works." This threatening statement directly contradicts Greaney's earlier claim that "nothing happened" when she was initially approached for comment.
Escalating Political Tensions in Townsville
The confrontation reportedly began when Greaney became agitated about the positioning of LNP campaign signs near the polling station. Bob Rogers, a 72-year-old retired teacher and long-time LNP volunteer, was manning the party's information booth when the Labor candidate approached him.
"I was just doing my job as a volunteer when she came up very aggressively," Rogers told the Townsville Bulletin. "When she started mentioning knowing where I live and where my family works, that's when I felt genuinely threatened. I'm just a volunteer trying to participate in the democratic process."
Political Fallout and Official Responses
The LNP has condemned the behavior, with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli's office stating they are "deeply concerned" about the incident. The matter has been referred to the Australian Federal Police for potential investigation into whether the comments constitute unlawful intimidation.
Queensland Labor has been contacted for comment regarding their candidate's behavior. The incident comes at a critical time in the election campaign, with early voting already underway across Queensland ahead of the official election day.
Political analysts suggest this type of confrontation between candidates and volunteers is unusual, even in heated election campaigns. The video evidence makes this case particularly damaging for the Labor candidate given her initial denial of the incident ever occurring.
Both major parties have codes of conduct for their candidates and volunteers during election campaigns, with intimidation tactics explicitly prohibited under electoral guidelines administered by the Australian Electoral Commission.
