Federal election ballot draw: Protest threat forces relocation

The threats came following controversial comments on social media made by Liberals candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves.

Her now-deleted Tweets have been slammed as being transphobic and they included comments that transgender children were "mutilated". Deves has also made comments that opposing transgender athletes in sport was akin to preventing the Holocaust, and linking gender transitioning or cross-dressing to sex offending and serial killing.

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Both draws were due to be conducted in an industrial area at Frenchs Forest, but protest threats led to a last-minute relocation of the Mackellar draw to Mona Vale.

Warringah Greens candidate Kristyn Glanville was at the Warringah draw, and said "there were people there with pride flags" to protest Deves' controversial comments.

The Northern Beaches Review understands that Deves arrived moments before the draw occurred and left as soon as it was completed. "She took a photo with the One Nation and Palmer United candidates," Ms Glanville said.

One Nation's Pauline Hanson and Clive Palmer have said they will give their preferences to the Liberals in the seat of Warringah.

Deves has received death threats over her controversial comments, and the NBR understands that she temporarily moved out of the area due to concerns about her family's safety as the scrutiny continues.

In the end, the ballot draws were conducted, with incumbents Zali Steggall (Warringah) and Jason Falinski (Mackellar) ranking second and fifth respectively.

Warringah ballot draw

Mackellar ballot draw

Independent candidate for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps, was among those to receive notification from the Australian Electoral Commission that the Mackellar draw was to be relocated.

"It was changed yesterday [Thursday] because of the protest," she said.

In the end Dr Scamps was drawn out at number three for Mackellar. "Number three is a good position, I'm happy with that," she said.

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Incumbent Independent MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, was drawn out second in the ballot.

"I don't worry about the position as it's not something you can control," she said. "It's like what start number you have at the Olympics, you can't control it so you focus on your race."

The former Winter Olympian said Deves did attend the draw, but only for a very short time.

"She didn't acknowledge any other candidates and her Liberal minders kept a close watch," she said.

However, Deves posted on social media that she had a "wonderful morning" at the ballot draw.

"So great to meet my fellow candidates and talk about my vision for Warringah. Wishing them all the best for the coming few weeks," she wrote.

Liberal MP for Mackellar Jason Falinski said he's not worried about the ballot draw order. "Outside being at the top, not really that important, especially in seats like this," he said.

The NBR has made numerous requests with the NSW Liberals for an interview with Deves during the past fortnight. An opportunity for an interview is yet to be granted.

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