The Queensland Liberal National Party faces mounting criticism after revelations it used taxpayer money to fund a Facebook advertisement defending a man convicted of assaulting a woman in Far North Queensland.
Political Firestorm Over Taxpayer-Funded Messaging
The controversy erupted when the LNP deployed funds from its taxpayer-funded communications budget to promote content supporting John Henry, who received a wholly suspended 18-month jail sentence for punching a woman outside a Cairns pub in October 2022. The social media advertisement, which appeared on Facebook, framed Henry as a victim of Queensland's justice system while making no mention of the female victim.
The paid promotion directly targeted Cairns-based Labor MP Michael Healy, demanding he explain why the government was appealing Henry's sentence. What makes this situation particularly contentious is that the advertisement was funded through the LNP's electoral communications budget - money provided to all MPs for keeping constituents informed about their work.
Cross-Party Condemnation and Ethical Questions
Political opponents and community advocates have universally condemned the LNP's decision. Labor MP Michael Healy expressed his disbelief, stating he was "absolutely stunned" that public money would be used for such purposes. He emphasized that the advertisement completely ignored the victim's perspective and the seriousness of violence against women.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath confirmed the government would indeed appeal Henry's sentence, describing the original punishment as "manifestly inadequate" for the crime committed. The assault occurred in the early hours of October 15, 2022, when Henry punched a woman in the face outside the Gilligan's backpacker hostel in Cairns, leaving her with significant facial injuries.
The case has raised serious questions about how political parties use their publicly-funded communications allowances and whether there should be stricter guidelines governing such expenditures. Critics argue that taxpayer money should never be used to defend individuals convicted of violent crimes, particularly those involving assaults on women.
Broader Implications for Political Accountability
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing community concern about violence against women in Australia. The decision to use public funds to support a convicted assailant has sparked outrage among domestic violence prevention advocates and raised questions about the LNP's judgment and priorities.
The LNP now faces mounting pressure to explain its decision-making process and justify why it considered this an appropriate use of parliamentary resources. As the government proceeds with its appeal of Henry's sentence, the political fallout continues to grow, with many questioning whether the party's actions align with community standards and expectations.
This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between political messaging and responsible use of public funds, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues involving gender-based violence. The case continues to develop as both the legal appeal and political accountability processes unfold.
