Local candidate victim of abhorrent, racist vandalism

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The Victorian Liberals have been quick to express their disdain at a disgusting spate of vandalism, attacking Liberal candidate for the Bellarine Donnie Grigau.

Mr. Grigau has unfortunately been the victim of a spate of racist and homophobic attacks recently, with the candidate reportedly referring to at least eight campaign signs to Victoria Police that have been graffitied with symbols such as swastika’s and penises.

“I, along with Victorians across the state, have been deeply concerned by the most recent antisemitic, racist and homophobic graffiti attack against the Liberal Candidate for Bellarine, Donnie Grigau,” Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, David Southwick said.

“This abhorrent and cowardly attack has highlighted the use of the Nazi swastika as a tool of hate against not only Jews, but those from a range of ethnicities and diverse sexualities,” he said.

Mr. Southwick has used the grafitti attack as an opportunity to take a swipe at Premier Daniel Andrews, for his ‘lack of action’ on outlawing the Nazi swastika.

The Andrews government introduced new laws in June, outlawing the use of the symbol across the state, with those caught using the symbol in public facing maximum penalties of a year behind bars and a $22,000 fine, although the laws won’t come into force until December.

“Unfortunately, under the Andrews Labor Governments legislation the criminalization of the use of this symbol was delayed by six months and will not come into effect until later this year.

“It could never be clearer that this symbol has no place in Victoria and that its use should be banned, not in six-months time but immediately.

“The Victorian Liberals and Nationals stand against hate in all forms.”

Corangamite’s Liberal candidate for the federal election Steph Asher, was also subject to attacks during May’s campaign, with similar symbols grafittied on her signage.

Image: Donnie Grigau for Bellarine – Facebook

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