WA Libs fuming over fake Twitter account

A Twitter account set up by WA Labor parodying the opposition has angered the Liberals, which question whether it breaches the electoral act.

The WA Liberal party is seeking advice on whether a social media account parodying leader Mike Nahan and set up by Labor breaches the electoral act.

The Twitter account named The Loop WA invited readers to the meetmike.com.au website, which says the Liberals will increase TAFE fees, slash penalty rates and privatise utility Western Power.

The Twitter profile has since been taken down after the Liberals complained, but the website remains.

Labor didn't field a candidate in the Cottesloe by-election on Saturday, but put up "Meet Mike" posters at polling booths next to Liberal victor David Honey's campaign material.

Deputy Premier Roger Cook said Labor was "simply trying to raise Mike Nahan's profile".

"We thought that his profile ... in the Cottesloe by-election was a bit low," Mr Cook said on Monday.

Premier Mark McGowan made similar comments.

"Drawing attention to Dr Nahan and the dysfunctional Liberal party is something Labor will do," Mr McGowan said.

"They really are performing very, very badly and bringing attention to their policies, I would have thought would be something in the public interest."

Dr Nahan called it a dirty tricks campaign.

"It exposes them to claims, I think appropriately, of dishonesty and trickiness," he said.

"It was inappropriate use of social media. Instead of copping it sweet, they say it was good, an appropriate use."


Share
2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world