As the Australian federal election approaches, political tensions are rising in the Kooyong electorate, highlighted by recent actions taken by the Boroondara Council against Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer. On April 30, 2025, council officers removed "non-permitted advertising" from a pre-polling station on High Street in Kew, enforcing a rule that limits each party to one sign outside polling locations. This measure was implemented due to complaints about excessive political advertising obstructing pedestrian access and posing safety risks.
The Liberal Party, whose campaign is led by Hamer, is now seeking legal support to challenge the council's enforcement of these regulations. A spokesperson for the Coalition campaign stated, "The Teal-run Council will only permit one candidate A-frame, hindering the Liberal candidates for the other three electorates and for the Senate from fairly participating in the democratic process." They also emphasized that the restrictions could disenfranchise voters who do not speak English as their first language.
In a statement, the Boroondara Council defended its actions, asserting that all candidates had been made aware of the trading permit rules prior to the election. The council maintains that Hamer was the only candidate not in compliance with these regulations. "Council's focus is ensuring public safety, clear pedestrian access, and amenity," a council spokesperson said, adding that they would consider all applications for additional advertising based on merit.
Political activity in the area has intensified, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton making a rare appearance in Kooyong alongside Hamer at the Tower Hotel in Hawthorn East. This visit, however, was notable for Dutton's refusal to answer questions from the media, limiting his interaction to photo opportunities with supporters. During his brief remarks, he discussed issues such as housing affordability, stating, "young couples are now putting off having children because they can’t afford a house." Dutton's visit is part of a broader strategy to regain ground in marginal seats across Melbourne.
Meanwhile, the election campaign has been marred by troubling incidents. On the same day as Dutton's visit, neo-Nazi Joel Davis from the National Socialist Network was reported to have impersonated Liberal Party volunteers at a Kooyong pre-polling centre, distributing antisemitic flyers. These pamphlets, which mimicked Liberal branding, were condemned by both Hamer and state Liberal MP Jess Wilson, who described the actions as "absolutely abhorrent." In a statement, Hamer said, "I am appalled by the atrocious, antisemitic material being circulated and paraded at the Kew Early Voting Centre."
Josh Frydenberg, the former Liberal member for Kooyong, also condemned the neo-Nazi presence, stating, "I think it’s disgusting and dangerous," and called for relevant authorities to take action against such behavior. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is currently reviewing the flyers to ensure compliance with electoral regulations, but has stated it cannot intervene in behavior beyond a six-meter exclusion zone from polling places.
In addition to the legal battles over signage and the appearance of extremist groups, the election campaign has seen aggressive tactics from various political factions. Reports emerged of vandalism targeting the signs of Labor MP Peter Khalil in the Wills electorate, where about half of his campaign signs have been defaced. Khalil condemned the actions as a reflection of poor behavior and called for a peaceful electoral process. Similar incidents have been reported involving Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam, whose signs have also been vandalized.
As the election draws closer, the AEC has reminded voters of the rules at polling booths, including that voting while intoxicated and taking pictures of one’s own ballot are allowed, while bribery and interference with the voting process are strictly prohibited. Voters are also permitted to bring pets to polling places, although the AEC recommends leaving them outside when possible.
The political atmosphere in Kooyong and across Australia is charged as candidates prepare for the upcoming election. With the Liberal Party facing challenges both from within the electorate and from external pressures, the stakes are high. The actions of the Boroondara Council, the rise of extremist groups, and the ongoing campaign strategies of various parties will undoubtedly shape the outcome of this election.
As the dust settles following the council's actions and the extremist disruptions, all eyes will be on the results of the election, with many hoping for a peaceful and democratic process despite the rising tensions.
