Updated
A man volunteering for Rebekha Sharkie’s campaign to retain the South Australian electorate of Mayo has been charged with stalking her Liberal opponent, Georgina Downer.
Key points:
- Liberal Georgina Downer is hoping to unseat Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie in Mayo
- A volunteer for Ms Sharkie has been charged with stalking Ms Downer
- He has also been suspended from activist group GetUp!
Police have confirmed they arrested a 63-year-old Aldgate man on Wednesday and charged him with stalking.
In a statement, Ms Sharkie — a Centre Alliance MP — said she was aware allegations had been made against one of her campaign volunteers.
“While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, allegations of this nature are extremely serious and this person has been told in clear terms that they cannot be a part of my campaign in any capacity,” Ms Sharkie said.
“I have zero tolerance for the sort of behaviour alleged, no matter how passionate a supporter may be.
“Every candidate has the right to feel safe in this campaign.”
Man also suspended from GetUp!
The man has also been suspended from activist organisation GetUp!.
A GetUp! spokesperson said the man had not worked as a GetUp! volunteer, but is believed to have attended the organisation’s events.
“GetUp! condemns all behaviour of this kind — it is not how elections should be run,” the spokesperson said.
“Whilst this individual was not acting as a GetUp! volunteer, GetUp! has a very clear volunteer code of conduct and we have taken the precaution of suspending him.”
The man is due to face the Mount Barker Magistrates Court on May 22.
The Liberal Party has been contacted for comment.
Ms Sharkie holds the seat with a margin of 2.9 per cent.
It covers the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
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