Mornington Peninsula — Liberal candidate Zoe McKenzie has taken aim at a local newspaper over what she described as a “letter full of lies”, using her official Facebook page to set the record straight and accuse the publication of poor editorial judgement.
In a strongly worded post titled “POPPYCOCK O’CLOCK”, McKenzie addressed claims made in a published letter to the editor, labelling them as false and misleading. The letter, written by a Dromana resident and printed in the Mornington Peninsula News, made several assertions about McKenzie’s political history and residential status.
McKenzie rejected each claim in turn, stating:
- She did not contest the 2016 federal election, having been focused on building her career in global trade.
- She did not run in 2019, although she did seek preselection in a different electorate — an effort she described as unsuccessful and reasonably questioned.
- She currently lives in the electorate of Flinders, dismissing any suggestion of exploiting a “loophole”.
- Claims that mainstream media outlets have covered the issue were dismissed as “pure poppycock.”
- Posters referenced in the letter were paid advertisements placed in legal spaces.
“Our local paper should know better than to print this trash,” she wrote at the close of the post, which included a screenshot of the letter in question.
The post has drawn strong support from McKenzie’s followers, with several commenting in her defence.
One commenter, Peter, wrote:
“What a load of garbage from McCoy of Dromana.
The paper in question next week should retract that letter to the Editor which is misleading and written by someone who is either politically dumb or politically motivated.”
McKenzie responded light-heartedly, saying:
“Peter Rawlings oh Peter, if I were to get started on letters the paper should retract because they are full of lies there wouldn’t be enough newsprint for them to print it all.”
The exchange comes at the pointy end of the federal election campaign, where tensions are high and scrutiny of candidates is intensifying. It also raises broader questions about the responsibility of local media outlets during an election period. As misinformation continues to circulate, the role of the press in ensuring accuracy and fairness is more critical than ever. The implications of publishing unverified or misleading claims — even in letters to the editor — can erode public trust and influence voter perceptions in ways that are difficult to undo.
2 Responses
I understand that Zoe is feeling quite stressed about losing her seat.
However, I note that there’s been an absolute barrage directed about her only serious competitor, Ben Smith.
Ben doesn’t engage in attacks on others. I’ve received a booklet and flyer from Ben in the mail. All about what he offers, and plans.
Zoe McKenzie from the Liberal Party have sent to my home a flyer about her, but also a booklet and two flyers full of dis/misinformation about Ben Smith.
So, Zoe doesn’t have the moral high-ground here, rather, she can dish it out, byt attacks this random member of the public.
I understand that Zoe is feeling quite stressed about losing her seat.
However, I note that there’s been an absolute barrage directed about her only serious competitor, Ben Smith.
Ben doesn’t engage in attacks on others. I’ve received a booklet and flyer from Ben in the mail. All about what he offers, and plans.
Zoe McKenzie from the Liberal Party have sent to my home a flyer about her, but also a booklet and two flyers full of dis/misinformation about Ben Smith.
So, Zoe doesn’t have the moral high-ground here, rather, she can dish it out, byt attacks this random member of the public.