LNP MUST EXPLAIN PROTECTION RACKET

Media Release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says the Premier must admit his government is dysfunctional or explain why the LNP has been running a protection racket for the Member for Redcliffe.

“It is simply unbelievable that the LNP organisation knew back in November that its MP Scott Driscoll approached Woolworths for cash, yet they chose not to tell the Premier or anyone else in the LNP government,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Premier expects us to believe his own party allowed him to vigorously defend Mr Driscoll week after week inside and outside of State Parliament, but those same party officials never once mentioned the Woolworths scandal to anyone in government?

“Absolutely nobody believes that fairy tale.

“Either the Premier admits his government is totally dysfunctional or he admits his party organisation has been actively covering up for the Member for Redcliffe.

“Did senior Ministers in the LNP leadership group, Jeff Seeney and Tim Nicholls, know of the Driscoll approach?

“Did any of the Premier’s senior staff or anyone else in his office know?

“They all have close business and personal links to those in the LNP organisation, yet we are expected to believe nothing as seedy and shady as the approach to Woolworths was communicated to the government?

“Have the LNP powerbrokers been protecting Mr Driscoll because he was once one of them, as a former campaign director for the National Party?”

Ms Palaszczuk said the revelations reinforced her view that the Premier should direct the LNP to send all material it held on the issue to the CMC along with all material held by government agencies.

“I am also very concerned by suggestions that staff at the Regional Community Association Moreton Bay fear they will not be paid,” she said.

“I urge the Premier to ensure staff are paid and their superannuation entitlements are met.”