Legislator confesses to utilizing voter registration data to track down and engage with critics on internet platforms

Labor MP Barry O’Rourke has disclosed that he utilizes information from the Australian electoral roll to identify online “trolls” and visit them at their homes.

The representative for Rockhampton, however, later clarified on social media that his intention was to make a note to visit those individuals during routine door-knocks.

During an interview on 4RO radio, Mr. O’Rourke initially mentioned that individuals would often leave “unpleasant” comments on his social media accounts, which he would then investigate and go to their residences.

“I then proceed to Facebook and I search for them to learn about their identity, and if they are on the electoral roll, I enjoy paying them a visit,” he stated.

“When I do visit them, they transform into very polite individuals and are quite amicable to my face, which I find to be a form of karma. I find it amusing.”

Mr. O’Rourke’s remarks have faced criticism from political adversaries who believe his actions were inappropriate.

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The federal representative for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, who covers Rockhampton in her electorate, has called for Mr. O’Rourke’s resignation.

“To appear at a constituent’s doorstep to reprimand them for Facebook comments is unacceptable,” she stated in a social media post.

“The Labor Party seems to believe they can act with impunity. This is morally incorrect on many levels.”

One Nation’s candidate for Keppel, James Ashby, expressed surprise at Mr. O’Rourke’s behavior, stating that it was not in line with his character and that using the electoral roll in such a manner was inappropriate.

“Although Barry is generally well-liked, this is a grave error in judgment on his part,” he remarked on the social media platform X.

On the other hand, Queensland Liberal National Party MP Jarrod Bleijie criticized Mr. O’Rourke’s actions as “dangerous” and “peculiar.”

O’Rourke Clarifies His Stance

Mr. O’Rourke labeled a Courier Mail report on his radio remarks as a “sensationalized report” and apologized, claiming that his words were misconstrued.

The Queensland MP also stated that he has been a victim of bullying both online and in real life and was trying to convey that most individuals who engage in online abuse tend to back down in face-to-face interactions.

“There is something about these platforms that tends to bring out the worst in us.”

Mr. O’Rourke confessed to using the electoral roll to identify individuals who he claims have mistreated him online, to verify their authenticity.

He explained that he then made a note to include their address in his regular door-knocks.

“I treat them no differently from their neighbors, I do not mention their online behavior, I simply introduce myself and engage in a conversation,” he added.

“This provides them with an opportunity to voice their concerns in person, devoid of the negative impact of social media.”

Queensland Labor Premier Steven Miles addressed the incident in the media, stating that while he might not use the same approach as Mr. O’Rourke, he would make an effort to contact, email, or visit a constituent in a similar situation.

Electoral Roll Regulations

The electoral roll is accessible to the public at any Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) state office.

Members of the public are prohibited from photographing or recording information from the roll.

According to the AEC’s Electoral Roll Australia Data Use Guidelines, MPs, senators, and political parties are allowed to utilize information from the roll for purposes related to elections, referendum research, verifying electoral matters, monitoring the performance of an MP or senator vis-a-vis enrolled constituents.

However, they are prohibited from disclosing the data, with penalties applicable for violations.

The Epoch Times reached out to the AEC for comments on Mr. O’Rourke’s actions.