Two community groups have distanced themselves from claims they are involved in preparing protest action against plans for a Muslim place of worship in Maroochydore.
Both Sunshine Coast Safe Communities (SCSC) and the Patriots Defence League of Australia (PDLA) contacted the Daily after Restore Australia CEO Mike Holt linked them to his group’s plans.
They said Mr Holt’s claim that anti-mosque groups will not talk to Muslims behind the proposal was not their view.
A meeting which Mr Holt claimed was a rally to plan protest action against the mosque was actually convened by the Patriots Defence League of Australia, with him attending as a guest.
A PDLA spokeswoman said the Muslim plan was only discussed briefly.
“We are furious our name has been used by Mr Holt - he does not speak for us,” she said.
“We have dealt with him in the past but we will no longer be associating with him - not after this.”
A Sunshine Coast Safe Communities group spokeswoman also distanced her group from Mr Holt.
She said SCSC was not even represented at Saturday’s meeting - a claim backed up by the PDLA.
“Mike Holt does not represent nor is he permitted to speak for Sunshine Coast Safe Communities,” she said. “Restore Australia and SCSC are not linked in any way.”
Mr Holt stood by his claims last night. He said the two groups were backing away because they were “running scared” of criticism.
“I would suggest these guys harden up,” he said.
“I cop plenty of brickbats from people but I say what I say because it’s the truth.”