Following the decision to preference independent candidate Mark McFarlane above the current member Helen Haines, Mr Trenery has since had to reprint the flyers.
Resurfaced reports about Mr McFarlane’s involvement in a civil case sparked contention over the matter.
In 2021, a court ruled that a prior land transfer of a property on Warby Range Rd in Glenrowan to Mr McFarlane from his mother Judith was unconscionable.
It was found that Mr McFarlane was in a position of ascendancy and influence over his mother, and the court made orders to reinstate Ms McFarlane as the registered proprietor of the property.
Mr Trenery’s first how-to-vote card had Mr McFarlane at five.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation candidate Athol Thomas and Family First candidate Michael White also put Mr McFarlane ahead of Dr Haines, and are yet to make a statement on whether their guides will be reprinted.
“Mr Trenery has once again failed to do his homework,” Dr Haines said.
“I am pleased he has decided to rectify his gross mistake.
“It is now incumbent on Family First and One Nation to do the same and direct their preferences to Mr McFarlane last.”
Following the controversy, the Liberal Party opted to reprint Mr Trenery’s how-to-vote cards.
“Upon becoming aware of Mr McFarlane’s unacceptable actions and views, we will now be putting him last on our how-to-vote cards,” a Liberal party spokesperson said.
Mr McFarlane said the matter should remain separate from his candidacy.
“This is a private matter that Helen Haines has dug up, and is using as a witch hunt,” Mr McFarlane said.
“The pathetic Liberal Party has been sucked in by following the desperate Helen Haines, a left wing socialist.
“The court system has been used in a very non-credible way, taking advantage of my severely mentally ill mother to sell off her assets, and suck interest from them until it’s all gone.
“I tried to protect my family from this act of financial violence, but of course, they so love winning in their controlled system of stealing by stealth and conflict of interest.”
Dr Haines, however, said the matter should be considered when choosing a candidate to be the face of the electorate.
“The conduct found by the court is completely unacceptable in every situation, particularly from someone seeking to represent our community in parliament,” Dr Haines said.
“The people of Indi deserve to know the true character of the people seeking their vote.
“This is a serious error in judgment by Mr Trenery.”
20°C