Nicolette Boele, a teal independent candidate for the Bradfield seat in the upcoming federal election, has publicly apologized after making a lewd joke to a young hairdresser, which resulted in her being banned from a local salon. The incident, which has drawn considerable media attention, raises questions about the conduct of candidates as they vie for public office.
Boele, who is challenging for the seat previously held by Liberal MP Paul Fletcher, reportedly told a 19-year-old female staff member at the Envy Room salon in Gordon, north-west of Sydney, that her hair wash was "amazing and I didn’t even have sex with you." The comment, described as inappropriate and shocking by witnesses, led to her indefinite ban from the salon.
In response to the backlash, Boele issued a statement acknowledging her comment as a "poor attempt at humour." She stated, "Everyone deserves to feel respected in their workplace and I’ll do better." This apology was directed not only at the staff member but also to the broader community as she seeks to regain trust ahead of the election.
The Bradfield seat, which encompasses the Sydney suburbs of Chatswood, Pymble, and Killara, has been a Liberal stronghold since 2009 under Fletcher's representation. However, with Fletcher's retirement, the dynamics of the contest have shifted. Boele, who narrowly lost to Fletcher in the last election by just a few votes, is now seen as a strong contender against Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian.
Boele's campaign has gained momentum, supported by Simon Holmes a Court’s Climate200, which has funded numerous independent candidates across Australia. Following Fletcher's exit, Boele's campaign is bolstered by the recruitment of over 1,000 volunteers, who are actively engaging voters through various outreach methods, including distributing doggie bandanas as conversation starters.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her campaign, Boele has faced criticism from the Liberal Party, which accused her of employing misleading tactics such as push polling. Residents in Bradfield reported receiving text messages from the polling firm uComms, highlighting Boele's credentials as a "clean-energy executive" and a "local mum." These messages aimed to sway public opinion in her favor, prompting accusations of dishonesty from her political opponents.
Liberal campaign spokesman James Paterson commented on the situation, stating, "Teal politicians talk a big game about integrity and transparency, but their actions tell a different story. From misleading push polling to refusing to say who they would support in a hung parliament, they consistently hide their true agenda from voters." This criticism reflects the broader skepticism some voters may harbor towards independent candidates.
As Boele navigates the fallout from her inappropriate comment, the upcoming election promises to be closely contested. The electorate's recent redistribution, which includes voters from the now-abolished North Sydney seat, adds another layer of complexity to the race. Kylea Tink, the former representative of North Sydney and another teal independent, has opted not to seek re-election, leaving the field open for Boele and Kapterian.
The Bradfield seat's political landscape is changing, and the dynamics of voter sentiment will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Boele's recent misstep could impact her campaign significantly, as voters weigh her qualifications against her conduct. The incident serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny candidates face as they seek public office.
In conclusion, as the federal election approaches, candidates like Nicolette Boele must balance their campaign strategies with personal conduct, ensuring they resonate positively with the electorate. The race for Bradfield not only reflects the shifting political landscape in Australia but also highlights the importance of integrity in public life.
