July 19, 2024
Big Baz Rolls Up To Your House
Labor MP for Rockhampton, Barry O'Rourke, has admitted to using the electoral roll to track down and visit voters who post negative comments about him on social media. Describing his actions as “a bit of karma” and acknowledging they might be “a little bit stupid,” O'Rourke stated that he enjoys confronting these "keyboard warriors" face-to-face. During a local radio interview, he emphasized his disdain for anonymous online negativity and revealed that in-person interactions often result in the critics becoming surprisingly polite. Despite accusations of intimidation, O'Rourke maintains that he does not excuse abuse or intimidation in any form. The Premier's office encouraged MPs to engage with constituents but did not address the appropriateness of O'Rourke's methods. One Nation candidate James Ashby condemned O'Rourke's behavior, calling for a referral to the Crime and Corruption Commission. The Electoral Commission of Queensland noted that MPs are authorized to use electoral roll information for their duties but did not comment on the specifics of O'Rourke's actions.
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