Federal Election: Trumpet of Patriots spam texts explained
Enraged Australians have taken to social media with complaints after being bombarded with text messages authorised by a Trumpet of Patriots candidate.
Harold (Harry) Fong, the Trumpet of Patriot’s lead Senate candidate for Queensland in the upcoming federal election, has caused an online stir after he sent an influx of text messages to millions of Australians urging them to “Vote1 (sic) Trumpet of Patriots”.
The text messages contain a highly succinct outline of the party’s key policies, including “solve housing fast trains 20 min CBD cheaper land (sic)”, “cut immigration by 80 per cent”, and “double fees for foreign students”, as well as a link to the Trumpet of Patriots’ website.
The texts do not contain an “opt out” option, which has frustrated some people who have reported receiving up to three texts authorised by Mr Fong since Thursday April 24.
One Reddit user said: “I can’t block them because they come from different numbers and apparently you can’t complain because it’s all legal! I’m enraged.”
“I’ve started spam emailing them out of boredom and hatred.”
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, sending political text messages during local, state and territory or federal election campaigns is exempt from most spam and telemarketing rules.
Another Reddit user shared Mr Fong’s email address, and the complaint they sent in response to the text messages:
“Dear Mr. Fong, Thank you for reaching out via your unsolicited and cowardly text message — a fitting introduction to the kind of ethically vacant and intellectually bankrupt party you represent,” the user wrote.
“Rest assured, I would not support the Trumpet of Patriot party if it were the only option left standing in a scorched democracy.”
Many commenters said the text message felt like an invasion of privacy, and that in some instances had been sent to their children’s mobiles phones.
“Lots of 17 year olds getting them too! Can’t even vote,” Jacqui Felgate wrote on Instagram, with a “facepalm” emoji.
It is unclear how Mr Fong obtained people’s contact information.
Mr Fong is a criminal defence lawyer who said he was standing with the Trumper of Patriots to “fight against the entrenched political establishment that has put its own interests above those of everyday Australians”.
He is described as a “highly respected barrister with extensive experience in criminal law, civil litigation, dispute resolution, and commercial negotiations” on the party’s website.
Clive Palmer launched the Trumpet of Patriots in February this year, promising to adopt many of the policies of US President Donald Trump.