Dirty election tactics
New Mardi Gras board elections have descended into strife with a second candidate dropping out of the race, a Facebook page forum for candidates shut down and rumours circulating that candidates had offered to buy proxy votes.
In an email seen by Sydney Star Observer, NMG company secretary Peter Munro wrote to candidates, “I have … been disturbed by some of the behaviours being exhibited around this election.
“There is a rumour that proxies are being paid for in one way or another by particular candidates.
“The matter has not been formally brought to me and I am well aware of the caution one must take when they are dealing with speculation and rumour.
“However, if information is brought to me supporting any such allegation … I will have no hesitation in referring the matter either to ASIC or the Federal Police.
“Any impropriety in connection with the election has the potential to cause significant damage to NMG’s reputation.”
Another rumour circulated was that several stakeholder organisations would be sending observers to Saturday’s AGM
However, both Events NSW and ANZ told Sydney Star Observer that this was not correct.
The same day candidate Greg Small announced to Sydney Star Observer that he had dropped out of the election due to a change in his work commitments.
In his letter of withdrawal Small complained about the level of personal attacks between candidates.
“The last three weeks have been what could be described in anyone’s language as disastrous for the organisation. The attacks, vilification of candidates and the campaign that has been waged by individuals has saddened me deeply,” he wrote.
“While I take responsibility for my own involvement in this, it does disturb me to see our community and organisation that we all love waged in civil war.
“This is not a schoolyard. We don’t have to like everyone, but fundamentally we should show respect to each and every individual who puts their hand up for election.”
The following day candidate Damon Hartley announced he would shut down a Facebook page created so that candidates could communicate their platforms, saying it had been misused to air “personal attacks and downright lies”.
“After much thought, and serious belief that certain behaviour has actually done damage to New Mardi Gras, I will be removing this group at midnight tonight.”
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On Wednesday the board and staff of New Mardi Gras released a three-year strategic plan for the organisation, developed as a result of the consultation process undertaken over the last 12 months. The plan is now available for download on the NMG website.
Members will also vote on whether a recommendation that the principle of GLBTI-centric messaging will be incorporated into new parade entry criteria at the AGM this weekend.
New Mardi Gras will also present a report at the AGM on protecting intellectual properties associated with the Mardi Gras parade and festival, with that report also available online.
info: The New Mardi Gras annual general meeting is being held at the NIDA Playhouse, 215 Anzac Pde, Kensington on August 21 from 1pm.
We have received a complaint from lawyers for the directors of New Mardi Gras. That complaint relates to a forum posting asserting proxy irregularities.
The publishers of this site have no information as to the matter.
We therefore apologise to those involved.
This is another example of why change is needed in NMG Board.
We need to get behind people who are passionate for change.
I urge all people that have been affected by this to complain to NMG to make sure your vote is counted as intended. Or more importantly, turn up at the AGM and vote for change!
Mardi Gras has its roots in the fight for equality.
Members and the Community should hold NMG to its Constitutional objectives:- ‘to organise and co-ordinate events of celebration, commemoration and protest and engage in other activities as part of the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer community’.
The Parade is only a small part of what NMG should be focusing on. Where is NMG’s voice supporting adoption and marriage as required by the Constitutional objectives ?
Oh yes, we do see daily updates in Facebook on these, however this is ‘preaching to the converted’. Where is this support in the mainstream and gay press ?
New Mardi Gras has done nothing for gay rights. We only hear from them when they have same second rate dance party to raise money for what exactly?
Cut out NMG and give direct to charity.
Sounds like the typical back-stabbing is still with NMG – it’s been the way for at least a decade.
The parade is an absolute joke these days & just reinforces the stereotypes the rest of us have been fighting against
It is with regret that I acknowledge a significant number of Proxy Votes that I have received will likely be declared invalid.
For these members who will have their voice for Board change denied, I encourage them and all members to turn up to the AGM and vote in person. Having previously given a Proxy that is declared invalid will not stop the member from voting at the AGM.
The AGM sounds like it’ll be a three-ring circus. I hope they’ll be checking for weapons at the door.
NMG has a history of declaring postal votes invalid prior to the election, without the knowledge of the candidates, but with the knowledge of the current board.
Why would we expect an organisation that is treats us with such disregard and contempt, to behave in any other manner?
I have been told that some candidates will have up to 100% of their proxy votes recorded as invalid, due to they way they were lodged. While I understand above comments, I dont want to believe them – I think mardi gras has a place in our fight for equality (eg: gay marriage). I can’t imagine the community outrage if their votes are not counted on a simple technicality when there voting intention is clear.
Maybe a media blackout would be a good idea. As is the case now with the other election.
NMG Blows! They do not represent me or anyone I know
ohh Mardi gras, mardi gras, mardi gras – you are such a dirty, dirty organisation.
Wasnt this the year to seek trust from the community..
For those of us that know the full story, this article is being oh so very nice in not putting the whole sordid story in the news…
Dan