Melbourne – A large number of political signs in the federal Treasurer’s electorate of Kooyong in Melbourne have been vandalised, with some defaced with antisemitic graffiti.
Both Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and his opponent, Independent candidate for Kooyong Dr Monique Ryan, have had swastikas spray-painted on their campaign billboards in recent days.
The use of the symbol has been slammed by the Anti-Defamation Commission.
Its chair, Dr Dvir Abramovich, has called for an end to what he has referred to as an “escalating virus of antisemitism and bigotry”.
“Enough is enough,” he has said in a statement. “This is not Nazi Germany.”
“Another day, another sickening and abhorrent outburst of neo-Nazi vandalism.”
“This is not just graffiti on a billboard, it is a repulsive and ugly assault on our democratic system and on our core principles.”
Mr Frydenberg has taken to social media to denounce the “obscene” type of vandalism.
“It doesn’t matter which political group is on the receiving end, it’s just not on. Our community deserves better,” he posted on Twitter.
Dr Ryan has also used Twitter to plead with the community: “We’re better than this.”
More than 10 of Josh Frydenberg’s billboards have also been vandalised with other symbols, drawings and slogans, including profanities.
