Jay Weatherill’s Labor candidate for Elder, Annabel Digance, must come out of hiding and explain why racist material against Liberal candidate for Elder, Carolyn Habib is being distributed.
Jay Weatherill yesterday attempted to shut down journalists’ questions on the serious issue of racism at a press conference, following the distribution of a racist Labor flyer against Carolyn Habib.
Jay Weatherill defended the material, did not think the flyer was offensive and refused to apologise.
So far, Jay Weatherill’s Labor candidate, Annabel Digance, has not commented about the distribution of racist material in the Elder electorate.
Journalists seeking a response have reported that Ms Digance has been refusing to answer telephone calls.
“If Jay Weatherill refuses to apologise for the distribution of racist material, then Annabel Digance must apologise for the distribution of racist material,” said Liberal campaign spokesman Rob Lucas.
“At the very least, Ms Digance should have the courage to stop hiding under her desk and come out and answer questions on this disgraceful issue.
“Jay Weatherill and Labor have stooped to a new low in South Australian politics.
“Jay Weatherill’s refusal to apologise for the Labor Party’s flyer not only demonstrates a complete lack of leadership, it also demonstrates that Labor is quite happy to say anything and do anything to get re-elected for another four years.
“There is no place for racism in SA politics – in fact, there’s no place for racism in Australia.
“Many people have fought hard against racism in the community – and here in South Australia, we have Jay Weatherill endorsing racist material.
“It is an absolute disgrace and South Australians would rightly expect better from the Premier of their State.
“It’s completely outrageous that the Weatherill Labor Government would use this type of material and it’s completely outrageous that Jay Weatherill has refused to apologise.”