A WA Labor MP says his electorate office was “deliberately damaged” in a “targeted incident” on Friday night.
Scarborough MP Stuart Aubrey took to social media to share his frustration after a vandal caused significant damage to the building on Scarborough Beach Road in Doubleview.
“Incidents like this are naturally unsettling, but they won’t change my commitment to being present, accessible and working hard for the people I represent,” he wrote.
“From what I’ve been told, the person involved is in a troubled place, and I genuinely hope they receive the support they need.
“But there is never any place for intimidation, threats or violence in our democracy.“
Stuart Aubrey, a former electrician, boards up the front door. (Supplied)
Pictures that accompanied the social media post appeared to show Mr Aubrey, a qualified electrician who previously worked in the resources industry, boarding up the electorate office’s broken door.
Another image showed a potplant had been destroyed and strewn across the front of the building.
In a statement, a WA Police spokesperson said officers received reports of the damage about 6:30pm.
“A female was arrested and released from custody without charge,” it said.
Scarborough Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Vandalism ‘politically motivated’
When asked about the damage at an unrelated press conference, Premier Roger Cook said he was “concerned for all MPs” after the office was “vandalised quite badly” but that thankfully no-one was in the office at the time.
The front door of the electorate office was badly damaged. (Supplied)
“Members of parliament live public lives, and sometimes that means they come to the attention of antisocial or criminal behaviour,” Mr Cook said.
“Our understanding is this is politically motivated and this is unacceptable.”
Mr Aubrey, who was elected to parliament at the 2021 election, said political debate should be passionate, but should remain respectful.
Stuart Aubrey was elected to the West Australian parliament in 2021. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)
“We won’t always agree, that’s healthy and it’s why our democratic process exists,”
he said.
“What matters is that we settle our differences through conversation, elections and our democratic institutions, not through fear, intimidation or violence.”
He thanked Scarborough Police officers for their “swift and effective response”.
