Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Liberal candidate Bill Tilley denies using aggressive language against independent in Benambra seat stoush

The Liberal candidate for the seat of Benambra, Bill Tilley, has been accused of using "threatening and intimidating language and behaviour" towards another candidate for the seat, a claim he flatly denies.

It comes after accusations about an alleged incident at the Wodonga pre-polling station were raised by a member of the public to the ABC, which independent Jacqui Hawkins has confirmed.

Mr Tilley, the Benambra incumbent, was alleged to have told Ms Hawkins to "shut your filthy mouth" during an argument on Saturday. It's not yet known what the cause of the argument was.

It comes after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) recently limited the number of campaigners allowed at a pre-polling booth in Melbourne's north-west, over concerns about poor behaviour and intimidation.

"I was subjected to threatening and intimidating language and behaviour from the incumbent," she said.

"My team has lodged a formal complaint to the VEC and we'll let that process unfold.

"But no-one should be subjected to this kind of behaviour, especially not from someone who is an elected member of parliament and is supposed to be representing our community.”

Mr Tilley said he respected all candidates.

"This is not language I would ordinarily use and don’t recall using those words," he said.

Mr Tilley has held the seat of Benambra for the Liberals since 2006.

The last time he and Ms Hawkins competed for the seat in 2018 he won by about 2,000 votes after preferences. 

The VEC said it did not comment publicly on complaints received.

A spokesperson said anyone experiencing harassment or intimidation at a voting centre was welcome to raise it with them via their complaints form or with the voting centre manager directly.

"Election managers have the power and authority to request the removal of any person who is behaving in a disorderly manner or causing a disturbance," they said.

"Managers will request cooperation from all parties in the first instance but, if unsuccessful, will escalate the matter to the relevant party or candidate to resolve.

"If necessary, voting centre staff will request Victoria Police to assist in maintaining order."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.