ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Barnaby Joyce has today rejected a series of mysterious signs that have appeared across Tamworth, denying claims written entirely in Chinese that he is in fact a sun bear wearing human skin pretending to be a man.
The signs, which have been spotted near the Oxley Scenic Lookout and several polling booths, appear to mimic official election material.
Printed in bold purple and white, the signature colours of the Australian Electoral Commission, the signs have now been referred to the AEC for further investigation.
Speaking to media outside a Tamworth bowls club, the Member for New England was adamant the allegations were false.
“I don’t speak whatever that is,” said Joyce.
“Well, maybe after 20 cans of Tooheys New [laughs] but apparently they reckon I’m some kind of bear in a man suit. That’s obviously not true. I pay tax. I can drive a car. I was Deputy Prime Minister. You can’t do that if you’re a bloody bear.”
Joyce said he had no idea who was behind the signage campaign but didn’t rule out political opponents.
“Could be a Greenie. Could be that old goat Tony Windsor, he’s got nothing better to do these days. Could be Clive. All I know is it’s not funny and it’s not true. Come to think of it, it’s probably David Littleproud.”
Tamworth Regional Council confirmed it has begun removing the signs but said responsibility now sits with the AEC, due to their resemblance to official election material.
The AEC has not yet confirmed whether impersonating a sun bear is considered a breach of the Electoral Act, like being a citizen of New Zealand is.
More to come.
