Zoe Daniel reflects on the recent election campaign for the seat of Goldstein, expressing her fears for personal safety and concerns about potential attacks on her home. Despite her strong personality, the toxic nature of the campaign left her shocked and disappointed. Daniel reveals instances where she felt scared and had to have Australian Federal Police protection during the final week of the campaign.

She recounts facing verbal abuse, harassment, and stalking, both online and in real life, during the campaign. Daniel emphasizes that her campaign focused on policy rather than personal attacks. However, she acknowledges the challenges of not engaging in negative campaigning, as she faced a barrage of attacks from various sources.

Billboards, trucks, and digital advertising were used to target Daniel, with attack ads run by third-party groups adding to the toxicity of the campaign. Daniel's opponent, Tim Wilson, also expressed concerns about safety during election campaigns and condemned any conduct that makes candidates feel unsafe.

One particularly controversial billboard displayed a photo of Daniel's head in a balloon, accompanied by negative statements about her. The campaign also featured flyers and slogans targeting Daniel, including the 'Repeal the Teal' initiative. Despite facing intense scrutiny and attacks, Daniel remains firm in her commitment to maintaining a positive campaign approach.

Throughout the campaign, Daniel received abusive letters and threats, including accusations of antisemitism and hatred towards Jews. The letters, signed off as 'Your Jewish neighbour,' caused fear and concern among residents in the Jewish community. Despite the challenges faced, Daniel continues to speak out against the use of divisive tactics for political gain.

The election campaign in Goldstein highlighted the need for civility and respect in political discourse, with both candidates facing intense scrutiny and attacks. As Daniel reflects on her experience, she remains hopeful for a future where campaigns are based on policies and ideas rather than personal attacks and fear tactics.