Election volunteers say they experienced abuse and aggression at polling booths | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Democracy sausage
• Pre-polling stations
• AEC (Australian Electoral Commission)
• How-to-vote cards
• Core flutes
• Third-party campaigners
• Repeal the Teals
• Better Australia
• National Workers Alliance
• Socialist Alliance
• Exclusive or Plymouth Brethren
• White anting
• Disinformation

Election Volunteer Experiences: A Shift in Tone

The 2025 Australian federal election saw a marked departure from the traditionally convivial atmosphere of polling day, with widespread reports of abuse, aggression, and intimidation directed at volunteers and voters. This contrasted sharply with the positive experiences of previous elections, such as the 2022 election, where volunteers enjoyed a sense of community and purpose.

Increased Aggression and Abuse

Volunteers from across the political spectrum reported experiencing or witnessing aggressive behavior at pre-polling stations and on election day. This included:

• Verbal abuse: Volunteers were subjected to insults, personal attacks, and accusations. One volunteer's wife, who is Jewish, was told she "can't be a real Jew" for supporting a particular candidate.
• Harassment: Voters were harassed and pressured about their voting choices.
• Intimidation: Volunteers reported feeling intimidated and unsafe, with some even leaving their shifts due to the level of harassment.
• Physical altercations: There were allegations of volunteers being jostled, pushed, and shoulder-charged.

Targeting of Teal Seats

The seats being contested by the "teal" independents were particularly targeted, with intense campaigning and harassment reported.

• Anonymous threats: John Hooper, a lifelong small liberal who supported Zoe Daniels, received a disturbing anonymous letter in his letter box after putting up a sign on his fence.
• Disinformation: Volunteers reported that third-party groups were spreading lies and disinformation about candidates.

The Role of Third-Party Campaigners

A significant difference in the 2025 election was the presence of aggressive third-party campaigners. Groups identified included:

• Better Australia: This group, headed by Labour Party member Sophie Kaland, was accused of spreading negative information about teal independents and the Greens.
• Repeal the Teals: This group celebrated its impact on the election results, claiming to have "contaminated the Teal brand." Sharon Cooper, one of the founders, told the Australian Jewish News that they exposed "questionable funding, irresponsible voting records, and conflicted agendas."
• National Workers Alliance: This group disrupted a candidates forum and used megaphones to harass voters at polling places.
• Exclusive or Plymouth Brethren: This church group was also mentioned as being involved in aggressive campaigning.

These groups have issued statements denying these accusations.

Specific Examples and Incidents

• Goldstein: Carolyn Brighten described the 2025 election in Goldstein as "completely different" from 2022, with the arrival of third-party groups disrupting democracy and intimidating voters.
• Kooyong: Peter Dawson noted that the individuals setting up for the Liberal Party were not the usual volunteers, but others with a more aggressive approach. His wife was called a "silly old grandmother" and he was obstructed and pushed in front of children.
• Melbourne (Molvin): A volunteer was shocked when a woman said she hoped Dr. Ryan "fries in hell," highlighting the personal nature of the abuse.
• Wentworth: Disruption came from Better Australia, who would say negative things about the teal independent and the Greens.

Impact on Volunteers and the Democratic Process

The increased aggression and abuse had a significant impact on volunteers, leaving them shocked, traumatized, and questioning the future of the democratic process.

• Erosion of civility: Volunteers noted the loss of the traditional civility and respect that had characterized previous elections.
• Threat to democratic values: The behavior witnessed was seen as a threat to the right to express views and participate in the democratic process.
• Death threats: Labour MP Peter Khil reported that his volunteers received death threats.

Conclusion

The 2025 Australian federal election was marred by a significant increase in aggression, abuse, and intimidation at polling places. This shift in tone, driven in part by the presence of aggressive third-party campaigners, had a negative impact on volunteers, voters, and the overall democratic process. The events of this election raise concerns about the future of civility and respect in Australian politics.