Election candidates say vandalism and attacks on the rise

Local government and state election hopefuls say vandalism and theft of their property, and online attacks on them and businesses, are becoming more common in what one expert describes as a "decrease in civility".City of Greater Bendigo Council Lockwood by-election candidate Ajay Mishra said several of his signs had been defaced and a local business had been threatened for supporting his campaign.Mr Mishra said it was a targeted attack and coincided with other candidates' accounts of a vitriolic campaign in which they witnessed more racist comments and suspicious behaviour."[They're] targeting the local businesses and the local private properties. That is where the concern is for someone supporting my campaign," he said. "People should not go and target the local businesses."In Bendigo, six candidates are vying for the single councillor position for the Lockwood Ward.The Victorian Electoral Commission called the by-election after councillor Donna Nicholas's death in July.She was elected in April after a by-election held due to the resignation of John McIlrath in November last year.Aaron Martin says "outgroup hostility" is being observed in pockets of Australia. (Supplied: Aaron Martin)University of Melbourne associate professor Aaron Martin said academics had observed "a decrease in civility" in Australian politics.Dr Martin said "outgroup hostility", where people feel negative attitudes or show aggression to people who belong to a different political group, had become common in the United States and was now observed in Australia."Part of it is the social media component of it and these algorithms that sort of tell people, 'Yes, you're right to feel that way and here's information that supports that view,'" he said."And it is somewhat troubling that people are doing that because people should be free, and feel free, to support whatever political candidate is aligned with their preferences and interests."Several of Ajay Mishra's signs have been vandalised. (Supplied: Ajay Mishra)Racism, suspicious behaviour on campaign trailWhile there is not a law specifically against vandalising election signage, a person caught damaging someone else’s property can be charged with the summary offence of wilful damage or the indictable offence of criminal damage.If the damage is under $5,000 in value, and the person is found guilty of wilful damage, they can face a fine of up to $5,227.50 or six months in jail. If they are found guilty of the more serious offence of criminal damage of more than $5,000, the person can face a fine, a community corrections order, or up to 10 years in jail.Graffiti on signs can also attract fines of up to $4,182 and a court order for clean-up costs.City of Greater Bendigo by-election candidate David Thorpe said he had witnessed an increase in racism during this election campaign.Fellow candidate MaryAnn Martinek said she had seen at least one election sign ripped off its post and she had installed security cameras at a Kangaroo Flat veterans retreat she helped run because of suspicious people loitering nearby.Victoria Police confirmed it was investigating the incident with the sign, and it had received two reports of people flying drones over properties and loitering near a house.Costs add upCorflute signs typically cost candidates about $10 each but the cost of damaged signs adds up.State Liberal Party MP Nicole Werner took to social media last week to call out people stealing the signs in her electorate of Warrandyte.Nicole Werner says someone has been stealing her election signs. (Supplied: Nicole Werner/Instagram)"I'm putting you on notice; consider this neighbourhood watch. Stop stealing my sign; it's the fourth or fifth time you've stolen my sign," she told her followers in the social media post."I have to keep buying new ones and having to personally replace them."The Victorian Greens state office said a number of candidates across the state had some of its corflutes go missing or get vandalised. "In a democracy, everyone should have the opportunity to have a go; to stand up for what they believe in, advocate for their community, and be treated safely and respectfully," the party said in a statement.The Liberal Party, National Party, and One Nation Party have all been contacted for comment, along with the Local Government Inspectorate.The Victorian Electoral Commission said results for the Lockwood by-election would be available from October 14 at the earliest.