Cairns political circles are buzzing with controversy as Cook MP Cynthia Lui faces mounting pressure to explain her recent social media activity. The Member for Cook has maintained complete silence after sharing a post that has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents and community members alike.
The Controversial Social Media Activity
The controversy erupted when Cynthia Lui, the Labor Member for Cook, shared a Facebook post from Cairns-based community radio station Paradise FM 101.9. The original post featured a photograph of Robbie Katter, the State Member for Traeger and leader of Katter's Australian Party, alongside his federal counterpart Bob Katter.
The shared content appeared on Cynthia Lui's official Facebook page on Monday, though the exact timing remains unclear. What has particularly angered critics is that the post contained no additional commentary or context from the Cook MP, leaving followers to interpret her intentions behind sharing content featuring her political rivals.
Political Fallout and Demands for Explanation
The situation has prompted a strong response from Nick Trompf, the Katter's Australian Party candidate who will challenge Cynthia Lui in the upcoming October state election. Trompf has publicly called out the MP, demanding she explain her actions to the constituents of Cook.
"The people of Cook deserve an explanation," Trompf stated emphatically. He questioned whether Lui's sharing of the post represented an endorsement of Katter's Australian Party policies or simply poor judgment in her social media management.
Trompf didn't mince words when he added, "Either way, it's a bad look." His comments highlight the growing tension between the major parties and minor parties in Far North Queensland politics, particularly as the state election approaches.
A Pattern of Silence Raises Concerns
This incident isn't the first time Cynthia Lui's social media conduct has drawn attention. Earlier this year, the Cook MP faced criticism for her handling of another social media controversy. In February, she posted then quickly deleted a message that appeared to endorse a Cairns regional council candidate during the council election campaign period.
That previous incident also saw Lui remain silent when approached for comment by The Cairns Post. This pattern of posting controversial content followed by silence has raised questions about the MP's social media strategy and transparency with her constituents.
The ongoing silence from Lui's office regarding the current controversy has only fueled speculation and criticism. Community members and political observers alike are waiting to see if the MP will break her silence or maintain her position of not addressing the social media activity that has caused such a stir in local political circles.
As the October state election draws nearer, such incidents take on increased significance. The Cook electorate, which covers a vast area from Cape York to the Atherton Tablelands and includes parts of Cairns, has historically been a competitive seat. Social media missteps can potentially influence voter perceptions in what may be a closely contested election.
The controversy also raises broader questions about how politicians use social media platforms and the expectations of transparency when they share content, particularly content featuring political opponents. With many voters now getting their political information through social media, the incident highlights the importance of clear communication from elected representatives.
