Conspiracists and anti-lockdown protesters among 120 ‘fringe’ candidates in NSW council elections
Local Government Elections: Fringe Candidates
As many as 120 ‘fringe’ candidates with links to conspiracy theories and anti-lockdown movements are running for office in the upcoming NSW local government elections.
The candidates, who are running for positions on councils across the state, have been identified by the NSW Electoral Commission as having expressed views that are “at odds with mainstream scientific and public health advice” or “promoted misinformation or conspiracy theories about COVID-19”.
Among the candidates are a number of prominent anti-lockdown activists, including former NSW Nationals MP and deputy premier Troy Grant, who is running for mayor of Shoalhaven on the NSW south coast. Grant has been a vocal critic of government lockdowns and has previously attended anti-lockdown protests.
Serious Concerns
The presence of so many ‘fringe’ candidates in the NSW local government elections has raised serious concerns among some experts.
Dr. Norman Swan, a leading infectious diseases expert and host of the ABC’s Coronacast podcast, said the presence of these candidates could have a damaging impact on public health.
"If these candidates are elected, they could use their positions to promote misinformation and conspiracy theories about COVID-19, which could lead to people making poor health decisions," Dr. Swan said.
The NSW Electoral Commission has said it is monitoring the situation and will take action against any candidates who breach electoral laws.
The local government elections will be held on September 10, 2022.
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