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Disgraced Qld MP throws support behind Labor

AAP

AAP

The member for Cook resigned from Labor last month, before he was sacked, after it was revealed he had failed to disclose his criminal history, outstanding child support payments and allegations of domestic violence.

While Mr Gordon has recently said he had no “immediate” plans to resign from Parliament, he on Wednesday issued a statement saying he will stay there for the long-term.

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Furthermore, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk can rely on him for continued support.

“I believe Queenslanders also need stable government,” he said.

“As such, I will support the Palaszczuk Government according to the aspirations of my constituents, and my conscience.

“I will sit on the crossbenches with members of Katter’s Australian Party, and will play a constructive role in allowing the Palaszczuk Government to govern with confidence, while at all times ensuring that I represent my constituents.”

AAP

Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Photo: AAP

The Premier was furious when she learnt about Mr Gordon’s undisclosed juvenile convictions; however, Mr Gordon said under the law those convictions had been expunged and he was not obliged to disclose them.

“This is a difficulty for anyone who has rehabilitated from juvenile wrongdoing who seeks public office: does one make a disclosure that the law does not require one to make?” he said.

“I put myself forward as a candidate for election, relying upon the law that says people like me are entitled to a second chance in life.

“The leaking of juvenile and spent records for political ends is deeply disturbing in our democracy.”

The first-time MP decided to stay in Parliament after the clerk gave “detailed reasons why I did not have to resign over past events and allegations”.

Mr Gordon said he wanted to be an effective member for the far north Queensland seat by addressing social and economic problems, including 22 per cent youth unemployment.

“I am humbled by and grateful for the steadfast belief shown in me over the last week by my supporters in Cook,” he said.

“There are those in the community who doubt that redemption and rehabilitation are possible.”

Labor must accept MP’s vote

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has told Fairfax radio it is time to move on and focus on serving Queensland.

Ms Miller said according to the rules of parliament, Labor must accept Mr Gordon’s vote.

“What they ask is for the whips to deliver the votes for either party, that’s the LNP and the Labor party,” she said.

“After that the clerk asks the Katter party what their votes are and then they go to the independents so there’s no procedural way in which you cannot accept a vote.”

 

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