Independent MP Monique Ryan has found herself in the spotlight once again, navigating both controversy and advocacy efforts. From an incident involving her husband and a political campaign sign to a renewed push for lowering the voting age, Ryan’s political journey continues to unfold with significant public attention.
Campaign Sign Controversy: “It Was a Mistake”
Ryan’s husband, Peter Jordan, recently sparked controversy after being caught on video removing an election sign belonging to Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer in the Kooyong electorate. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, showed Jordan taking down the sign from public property, claiming it was placed illegally.
After the incident gained traction, both Jordan and Ryan issued public apologies, acknowledging that the situation could have been handled differently.
“It was a mistake,” Jordan admitted, while Ryan emphasized that they should have reported the issue to local authorities instead. The incident has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue that it reflects poorly on the independent MP’s campaign conduct.
Workplace Dispute Settlement: Closure After Legal Battle
This controversy comes shortly after Ryan settled a high-profile workplace dispute with her former chief of staff, Sally Rugg. Earlier this year, Rugg sued Ryan over claims of unreasonable work demands and unfair dismissal. The case has now been settled, with Rugg receiving a $100,000 payout—though Ryan and the government made no admission of wrongdoing. Both parties have agreed to cover their own legal costs, bringing an end to the legal battle.
Advocacy: Pushing to Lower the Voting Age
Amid these challenges, Ryan is making headlines for her latest political initiative—a push to lower Australia’s voting age to 16. Teaming up with the Greens, she plans to introduce legislation that would grant voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds. While voting would be optional for this age group, it marks a significant shift in Australia’s democratic landscape.
Ryan argues that young Australians already work, pay taxes, and are affected by government policies, especially on issues like climate change. She believes they deserve a voice in elections. However, critics question whether 16-year-olds have the political maturity to make informed voting decisions.
What’s Next for Monique Ryan?
Despite the recent controversies, Ryan remains focused on her political agenda. While the sign removal incident and workplace dispute have drawn scrutiny, her commitment to youth empowerment and democratic reform continues to be a defining aspect of her leadership.
With the federal election approaching, Ryan’s ability to navigate political storms while advocating for policy change will be key to her future in Parliament.
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