'Stop hiding behind your dad'
12:00a.m. 16th February 2008
The Maroochy councillor accused of bullying his young rival has come out swinging, challenging him to stop hiding behind his state MP dad and ‘meet me face to face’ in front of local constituents.
Just a day after telling the Daily there was no campaign of intimidation to stop Christian Dickson, the state’s youngest councillor, from running, he hit the Daily’s website and took the gloves off.
“Christian - come out from behind your father (Kawana MP Steve Dickson)! Tell his electoral officer paid for by the State Government to stop running (and doing most the work) for your campaign.
”Ask your father to stop running half-page newspaper ads, funded by the State Govt but featuring you, in areas that are also in my division! ”Christian meet me face to face in debate in front of our Division 6 community - not a rent-a-crowd but Division 6 residents only!
The comments came as Mr Hulett was hammered by bloggers on thedaily.com.au who said they were not surprised by revelations Mr Hulett was calling into Christian Dickson’s office reminding he could not win the election and he should save his money.
Angry residents said the new council did not need any bullies and voters should steer clear of Mr Hulett this time round.
But Mr Hulett went on the attack, claiming Steve Dickson asked him not to run against his son as the MP believed his own son could not win.
"Steve Dickson has said to me words to the effect, "I will do whatever it takes to help Christian win,’’ Mr Hulett blogged.
He also claimed Maroochy’s CEO had denied there was any ‘discomfort or complaint’ between himself and Christian Dickson.
He denied trying to induce Steve Dickson into discouraging his son from running by offering to contribute to the Kawana MP’s election campaign.
"Yes I did say words to the effect that I have paid my own way so far and was about to move into Stage 2 of my campaign and wouldn’t it be better if I could have made a donation to him instead - and yes we both laughed at it and went in to the lunch meeting together!’’
Mr Dickson refused to be ‘goaded’ into a response to Mr Hulett’s claims, saying he would leave it up to voters to decide.
“I’m not going to buy into his debate. He’s trying to do silly things. As far as I’m concerned two men are going into an election and may the best man win.’’
Recent Comments
What a fabulous election campaign this promises to be in Div 6. Tom Hulett vs Christian Dickson in the ring. John Knaggs is Referee. Tag teams are permitted, but not Steve Dickson. He apparently has an unfair advantage in that he is not scared of The Man's intimidation tactics.
Let's hope that they get it out of their systems before March 15. Because I don't think that any of us would want a bar of this behaviour on our new Regional Council. Let's keep it in the skate parks and pubs where it belongs.
1) Mr Hulett's comments only confirmed the claims of bullying, whilst Mr Dickson's comment was dignified and mature.
2) Mr Hulett, as a public figure and elected representative, you are supposed to set a good example to your constituents and not engage in petty name calling on newspaper blogs. You might consider a quote by Sam Levenson: "It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it"; and
3) Respect is not automatically conferred upon someone just because they happen to have lived longer than than another person; it needs to be earned, and to my mind, Mr Dickson is far more deserving of my respect, and my vote, than you are.
Stop saying stupid things, stop being a bully, and keep a low profile.
So I guess there is no chance of re-election, because you just can't help yourself.
Your big mouth and 'holier than thou' attitude will see you at Centrelink on March 17!
My reading of the same article makes me cringe - it highlights to me a man who is backed into a corner and is hitting out at anyone and anything.
I too was once a young councillor (in a different State) and while young people may not have the benefit of years of experience, they do have fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and as is shown by Mr Dickson (I refuse to denigrate him by calling him 'young Christian') a willingness to listen and learn.
It is clear from this forum and other media who the mature candidate is, and as a Division 6 voter I know which way my vote will go.
This issue is not about 'bullying' just an 'election ploy'.
The people I have met whilst doorknocking can attest that I never bagged Christian, acknowledged that he may well have a future in politics but asked them to think about THIS election as we set up a very complex very large Council.
It is not a time for those with no educational, business, career or professional background.
If I am portrayed constantly in the press as 'tough' (and worse). It may well be evidence that at least one tough operator will be needed in the new Council.
Perhaps I am very focussed and do use my research experience and my debating skills to my advantage - but surely if you are wanting someone to put your case and to protect your interest, you would hope for the biggest and strongest available.
I don't seek to be your friend just your politician! (though my community members who donate their time as I do for community projects, are strongly supportive and laugh at these allegations).
You may not invite me to dinner but sure as heck I get calls by the hundreds asking for my help - often because their local Councillor cannot or will not help them! (and that includes in Christian's area.)
Once the Council is set up, then young bloods like Christian can carry on the Council. I even offered to assist him should I (and not he) be successful.
Until this cheap political game by Steve, Ted and Christian (and I am surprised Christian joined in!), I was very supportive of Christian.
Now I am disappointed and must rethink.
I am not surprised at the 'blog attack' - people can only respond to what they read - and over the years I have proved useful news fodder for the media!)
BOTTOM LINE - If the CEO and the Mayor and Crs Northey and Dunne and Rogerson and McKay and Tatton and Thompson etc say they have seen absolutely NO evidence of bullying or even 'discomfort' between Christian and I - and their offices are close by, then perhaps - just perhaps this IS a dirty tricks election operation.
I do know that Ted Hungerford could not disguise his glee that they had 'got Hulett' in the Council office yesterday! And THAT says it all.
Maroochy Shire Council has long stunk of dodgy decisions, backroom deals and bullying - March 15 will provide the opportunity to rid the Super Council of the remnants of those goings on.
I hope Christian resists the urge to stick it to the bully as any "face to face" with Tom (and his style of 'politics') would only scar his career. As a learner, he would be better served by spending time, and gaining experience, around politicians who are capaable of better behaviour and tactics than what Tom displays.
Of course you've done nothing wrong, poor Tommy. Naughty Steve and Christian are just picking on you, aren't they ? Although, I must say it is a surprise that Christian, "with no educational, business, career or professional background" per Tom's croc (oops, blog), would be so politically savvy and robust to challenge a master like Tom. That wouldn't seem like the actions of a complete political novice - not even with dad's help.
Speaking of dad (Steve Dickson), did everyone notice how quickly and severely Tom turned on him yesterday ? Not only did he take personal swings at him, but he also tried to sabotage his political career (within his party and externally as well) !
What makes anyone think Tom would not turn on a member of the public just as quickly or harshly
Hulett is presenting his weakness in character, trying to present himself as the master in debating and knowledge, and that is unacceptable.
I have had little dealing with Hulett since his election to Div 11 after a public meeting at Waterbury Park concerning juvenile hoon behaviour, he spoke with me promised follow-up and them like smoke disappeared after he wafted around. He lost any respect I had and lost my support.
I am not alone!
Uncle Tom may be ‘older than Dickson’, he may have greater life experiences and we in Div 6 now need to determine whether these attributes coupled with his public persona is beneficial to our needs.
For this voter he fails the test of representation in the previous council and I prefer a representative that has no baggage nor a belligerent and arrogant attitude.
From experience of those days I do not have the slightest doubt that Mr. Christian Dickson’s account of events is spot on.
By the way, to call Mr. Hulett a "Veteran Councillor" is a total misnomer. He might more appropriately be called a "Veteran Candidate". He has so far served just about 7 years as councillor in 2 different electorates, but has an impressive list of lost elections.
Further more one would expect that a veteran councillor would have learned some lessons and acquired some wisdom. His language has not changed and words like "Honest Truth", "Oozing integrity" and others still resonate in my ears.
If I have the choice, give me Mr. Christian Dickson as councillor anytime.
Hermann Schwabe
After what I have read and seen of Tom Hulett on these forums and in the media in general I would not vote for him if he was the last man standing. Put some fresh blood in.
Get rid of the stagnant old fogies and good luck to you Mr.C. Dickson in the upcoming election!
All I can say it is either "sucker Daily" or the Daily is stepping into the political arena. If the daily wants to really be a fair and unbiased peoples paper it should be arranging and reporting on face to face debates on issues as candidates in all new Divisions.
Well done "bully boy " Hulett great suggestion. We all know Cr Hulett is load, and at times overbearing but for those in the know we know he is the kind of guy you want fighting for you.
Cr Dickson, Cr Hungerford, it is time to stand up and be counted you should letting of been standing up to Cr Hullett telling him to stand aside not whinging to press.
Don't send wusses to war or to manage our Councils. Resumes on the table. Let the people see who they want as there voice and to move our wonderful coastal city forward.
The Daily would be much better getting proactive to increase it papers sales and look after constituents. Who are the candidates? What are their qualifications? I am sick of reading tedious "Bad Council" stories, dragging in personal garbage on their lives and when they sneeze.
Get a good news lead reporter for all our sakes that is fair and unbiased. I challenge the Daily to report on the good each Councillor running for the new super Council has done while in office.
Not that they put in 5 park benches as anyone with knowledge and vision knows with the same workload and only 12 Councillors you will need pro-active representatives. Who has the knowledge, vision & passion? We the voters are waiting!!!
Now this bit was clearly the funniest:
"...use my research experience and my debating skills to my advantage "
We've been served a treat of soon-to-be-ex-councillor Hullet's "debating skills" here the last couple of days, and these "skills" don't seem to be holding up too well as we've witnessed the unpeeling of "Teflon Tom".
And "research experience" - well he still hasn't even been able to figure out who I am, even though it's been driving him crazy! Others have, have chased me down and called me, but Hulet remains none the wiser...
But I have to admit I was a little perplexed to start with - how could he be happy with Mark's article? "Thank you Mark Furler - a fair report!"
But then I realised of course he likes what was written - it's almost all his own words. Mark didn't put any angle into the article - just let Hullet's own words continue to dig away at that hole Hulett's dug himself into.
Seriously though, Hulett in his thrashing out at any/everyone has now made very serious accusations against others, and without any form of parliamentary privilege. There is a law against defamation - even in politics. (That's why he wants to find out who I am - he's threatening via the Daily to sue me.)
Good to see Hermann Schwabe join in. Hermann probably has some stories to tell that would make that ABC comedy Grass Roots seem like a documentary.
Anyway, back to watching the ant sliding down into the ant-lion's trap - the pincers of March 15 are set to strike...
Maybe I should go see the Editor and ask him why, huh?
- Basically Bob because they have been denied by Mr Hulett - and border on defamation. We do vet our blogs because legally we carry the can for defamation - Editor
I enjoy reading Tom's blogs as they are hysterically funny.
"Perhaps I am very focussed and do use my research experience and my debating skills to my advantage - but surely if you are wanting someone to put your case and to protect your interest, you would hope for the biggest and strongest available"
had me rolling on the floor laughing. Always good for a laugh Tom. I wonder if anyone is collecting these gems.
There don't seem to be many runners for this Super Council with only 4 weeks to go. I hope the Daily does an election edition with the players for each division given some space (other than these blogs) to put their case forward. Would be nice to know about other wanna be councillors other than Tom and Mr Dickson.
I invite any prospective councillor to visit the Maroochydore area around Maud St - haven't seen anyone yet.
Keep up the blogging Tom. I also enjoy the blogs from the regular contributors - very valid points from you all. Thanks to the Daily to give us this opportunity to comment.
Roll on March 15.
Maybe I should go see the Editor and ask him why, huh?
- Basically Bob because they have been denied by Mr Hulett - and border on defamation. We do vet our blogs because legally we carry the can for defamation - Editor"
Okay, but do me a favour, please Mr Editor. Check your own story....front page at the relevant time where you quote Hulett conncerning his involvement with that nasty Grosse poem.
"surely if you are wanting someone to put your case and to protect your interest, you would hope for the biggest and strongest available"
Remember the Montville Links when you supported the developers proposal to break the town plan against staff recommendations and the wishes of the majority of residents?
Biggest, strongest is not attractive.
Open, honest, representative is. Stick to your guns Christian, you're doing good.
Tomhulett you and the others on that Council destroyed community confidence and are responsible for the community now seeking further protection of the planning scheme by the State government.
Noosa residents beware, you could end up in the hands of these people......
Your suggestion for a 'positive and good news' reporter may need time for ads to run and a new appointment being made!
I would be pleased with just the truth - but think you will get your way first.
- Tom, truth is in the eye of the beholder - and you certainly have seen things a lot differently than a lot of us 'ordinary' folk lately. Maybe we just lack that intelligence you keep talking about - Editor
Aquarius21 January - 19 February
Your refined and cultural side is emerging and presenting a little known side of your character to the world will blow people away this weekend. Who said you were brash and crude? You'll make a fine impression wherever you go today.
Rats! I went nowhere today!!!!
From the beginning of Mr Dickson's term as a councillor we have received regular newsletters from him and he is a regular fixture at P & C Meetings at the Chancellor College.
In the past I was a member of the P & C at Mountain Creek Primary - and never saw Mr Hulett there, and now that he is up for election in this area - we've started to receive newsletters from him.
Can't you have an original idea of your own?? Also at a recent Citizenship ceremony, you couldn't even stay to talk to the newest voters in your electorate - funny way to show good old Australian mateship!
This Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place to live, to bring up families - I fear for our community if Mr Hulett gets in to office - You've got our vote Mr Dickson.
"I would be pleased with just the truth - ......"
I'm with you there. Let's have some from you.
Back in about the year 2000, when you were regularly in touch with Alison Grosse's stalker, Mr. Purvis, did you tell the Daily that you sent on a disgraceful poem about Grosse on a 'read and giggle' basis?
Take care here Tom.............
....................'cause I have a few follow up question coming you way........in the interest of truth.
Lots of bloggers up there ^^^^ are saying how well he is doing.
Rubbish.....can anyone tell me what he has done in Council, or in the Community separate from his father?
Let's me tells ya, much as I am not an avid fan of Hulett, if it came down to Dickson or Hulett, I'd tick Hulett.
Where is the other alternative?
What I have read in the media is your own words.
And, what you claim is a fair report.
If you really are interested in the truth, then here it is.
It would seem that you need to spend less time with councillors, and more time with counsellors.
It's interesting how the focus has been totally on Div 6. There are 11 other Divisions. Everyone is totally fixated on whether Tom Hulett or Christian Dickson gets into Div 6. Why do you think that is ?
Keep playing a straight bat Christian and don't get involved in his childish games.
Trevor Thompson
"Back in about the year 2000, when you were regularly in touch with Alison Grosse's stalker, Mr. Purvis, did you tell the Daily that you sent on a disgraceful poem about Grosse on a 'read and giggle' basis? "
................or has the cat got your tongue?
But lately do I sense a degree of desperation? Christian Dickson must be beside himself with glee!
He staggers about like a Shakespearean buffoon and keeps us entertained and I hope that he sees reason and gives up this council thing and goes on the road with a unicyclist and a bear.
1 Should a Councillor respond to all correspondence from their Ratepayers.
2 Should all Councils, Body Corporate and Body Corporate Managers abide by the State Laws and Legislations or would you find their contempt acceptable.
3 Should a Councillor attempt to force an approval on an illegal non-compliant structure through a Full Council Meeting when the Council Engineer has Refused the Application under the Intergrated Planning Act and the Australian Standards.
4 In a dispute regarding an illegal non-compliant structure being built without Council Approval should a Councillor attempt to assist the individual who would gain financial benifit over public safety, be acceptable and only have the representation of the misleading applicant present at a site meeting with Council Engineers.
5 Should an applicant found to be presenting misleading applications and plans to Council in regard to the Intergrated Planning Act be prosecuted.
6 In the event of a Body Corporate not notifying their Insurance Provider under the disclosure clause about an Enforcement Notice to Demolish an illegal non-compliant structure and with the Full Council overturning the Councils Building Approval Refusal, could you please advise if the Council would be libel in the event of an accident which was attributed to the structure.
7 When a Councillor Code of Conduct Complaint is presented to the Council should both parties be interviewed in an effort to obtain the correct account of the Councillors actions.
8 What would your response be to the comment "What the Council doesn't know won't hurt them" in relation to the construction of an illegal non-compliant structure.
9 Should Councillors be above the laws or been seen to enforce the laws.
Could you please email if the above is not acceptable
What's the follow-up? What's your point?
Tom, aussies love an underdog and that is how most of us portray Christian. Its all a result of your bravodo and in your face style that grates people to dislike you.
If you just shut up and approached things a little differently, then Christian may have been exposed for the non event he is.
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