Teal MP Monique Ryan and Husband Apologise After Removing Rival’s Campaign Sign
Federal Victorian MP Monique Ryan’s husband Peter Jordan has issued apologies after Jordan was filmed removing a campaign sign belonging to Liberal Kooyong candidate Amelia Hamer in Camberwell.
Footage Sparks Controversy-All About Incident
Footage circulating online shows Jordan walking down a Melbourne street carrying the sign under his arm. When confronted by the man filming, Jordan refused to identify himself and justified his actions by claiming the sign was illegally placed on public land.
“I’m taking the sign down because it’s on public land,” he stated in the video. “It’s an illegally put up sign, anyone can take it down because it’s illegal.”
The man filming insisted the sign belonged to him and attempted to retrieve it from Jordan.
Apologies From Peter Jordan and Monique Ryan For Sign Removal
In response to the backlash, Jordan later issued a statement expressing regret for his actions.
“I unreservedly apologise for removing the sign. It was a mistake. I believed the sign was illegally placed but I should have reported my concerns to the council,” he said.
Dr Ryan also addressed the controversy, echoing her husband’s apology. “It should not have happened. All concerns around signage should be reported to council,” she wrote.
Political Backlash and Accusations of Hypocrisy
The incident has drawn criticism from political opponents. Victorian Liberal Senator James Paterson accused Ryan and her campaign of hypocrisy.
“The teal politicians are the first and the loudest to preach integrity and honesty. But when they think no one is looking, they behave very differently indeed,” Paterson said. “The footage of Monique Ryan’s husband Peter Jordan reflects very badly on her and her campaign.”
Council and AEC Clarify Signage Rules
The City of Boroondara issued a statement clarifying that advertising materials are not permitted on public or council-controlled land. However, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) confirmed it does not regulate the placement of electoral signs except for ensuring they are not within six metres of a polling place.
“Questions about signage on public land are generally a matter for the local council,” an AEC spokesperson said. “While the AEC does not regulate the placement of electoral signs, we are reminding all candidates and campaigners of the importance of civility while campaigning at this year’s federal election.”
Rising Political Tensions in Kooyong
The dispute comes as tensions grow ahead of the 2019 federal election, in which Monique Ryan is seeking re-election following her historic 2022 triumph against former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the Melbourne seat of Kooyong. Her victory was the first time an independent candidate took the typically Liberal-held seat.
With the election coming, a quarrel over campaign billboards underscores Kooyong’s escalating political conflict.
