Key factors
- Nationals candidate Shaun David Gilchrist has been discovered lifeless days out from the state election.
- He was due in courtroom on 30 November for sexual offences, AAP has confirmed.
- Nationwide’s chief Peter Walsh advised reporters on Monday the social gathering was not conscious of the fees.
This text accommodates references to sexual assault.
A Nationwide Occasion candidate due in courtroom over rape prices has died 5 days out from the Victorian state election.
Shaun David Gilchrist, 47, the candidate for the regional seat of Narracan, died unexpectedly at Rawson on Sunday.
Police have been known as to bushland about 4.15pm and can put together a report for the coroner, however the demise just isn’t being handled as suspicious.
He was due within the County Court docket on 30 November for sexual offences, AAP has confirmed.
A trial date was set for June 2023.
Nationwide’s chief Peter Walsh advised reporters on Monday the social gathering was not conscious of the fees when Mr Gilchrist was endorsed.
However Mr Walsh wouldn’t say whether or not the coalition had spoken to the 47-year-old in regards to the allegations earlier than his demise.
“I am not going to get right into a commentary in regards to the points as a result of I’ve been particularly requested by his widow to respect their privateness,” Mr Walsh mentioned.
Mr Gilchrist, who lived in Warragul however labored abroad representing authorities and enterprise, is survived by his accomplice and kids.
In an announcement, Premier Daniel Andrews mentioned whereas he had by no means met Mr Gilchrist he was “revered by so many throughout the neighborhood for his heat, his humour and his laborious work”.
“Our ideas are together with his household and associates, in addition to his colleagues and his supporters, who’re all grieving essentially the most tragic of losses,” he mentioned.
The Victorian Electoral Fee has been notified of his demise.
In accordance with the fee’s candidate handbook, an election can be thought of “failed” if a candidate dies after nominations shut however earlier than 6pm on election day.
A brand new writ will as an alternative be issued for a supplementary election within the district.
It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a shock go to to affix Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday’s election marketing campaign.
Posting photographs to social media, Mr Albanese thanked volunteers at a Caulfield polling sales space and mentioned the premier was constructing a greater future for all Victorians.
However Deputy Liberal Chief David Southwick has slammed Mr Andrews and Labor for his or her use of the time period Nazi to explain some candidates working for parliament.
Each the Premier and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan accused the coalition of preferencing Nazis and extremists on their group social gathering ticket.
Mr Southwick mentioned it was “fully inappropriate and determined” of the federal government to make use of the time period Nazi and if there have been candidates working with these views, then they need to be named.
Anti Defamation Fee chair Dvir Abramovich agreed, saying the phrase ought to solely be used when discussing the Holocaust.
“If there are Neo-Nazis working for this election, I need to know who they’re,” Dr Abramovich advised reporters on Monday.
“The general public must know who they’re. They’re a risk to our lifestyle.”
Mr Southwick mentioned the coalition didn’t need to see individuals with extremist views in parliament however the social gathering needed to choice Labor final in an effort to enhance its possibilities of profitable authorities.
He additionally denied understanding higher home candidate Renee Heath had hyperlinks to the controversial Metropolis Builders Church when she was pre-selected to the Liberal Occasion.
Liberal Chief Matthew Man mentioned Ms Heath wouldn’t sit in his social gathering room if elected however it was too late to disendorse her.
Mr Man backed Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan on the weekend after recordings of his feedback concerning Indigenous Australians, abortion and local weather change have been leaked. Supply: AAP
Ms Heath has advised 9 she’s engaged attorneys to evaluate whether or not she has grounds to make a criticism to the Australian Human Rights Fee.
She denied supporting homosexual conversion remedy and mentioned suggesting in any other case was “fully false and deceptive”.
Mr Man backed Liberal candidate Timothy Dragan on the weekend after recordings of his feedback concerning Indigenous Australians, abortion and local weather change have been leaked.
The Liberal Chief mentioned he accepted Mr Dragan’s apology and there can be no additional motion taken.
Labor’s candidate for Richmond has additionally been embroiled in controversy together with her household claiming she just isn’t Aboriginal.
Lauren O’Dwyer has described herself as a proud Yorta Yorta girl all through her election marketing campaign, however a member of her household has advised the ABC she holds no such ties.
AAP has contacted Ms O’Dwyer and the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Company for remark.
When you or somebody you understand is impacted by sexual assault, name 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or go to . In an emergency, name 000.