MP cops speeding ticket on darts trip

A TASMANIAN Liberal MP’s fun night out at a sporting spectacular lost some of its shine when he was caught speeding on his way back to his Port Sorell home.

Adam Brooks was nabbed on the Midland Highway as he returned from a darts competition at Wrest Point Casino on Saturday night.

“I can confirm I was inadvertently 15km over the speed limit when returning home to the North-West after attending a darts event in Hobart,” Mr Brooks said yesterday.

“Speeding is never OK and there is no excuse and I’ll face the consequences and pay the fine when I receive the infringement notice.”

It is understood the infringement carries a fine of $159 and the loss of three demerit points.

“In Hobart tonight to see 16 times World Darts Champion Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor,” Mr Brooks wrote on Facebook before he headed home.

“It was a sensational night with plenty of jokes and some pretty strange outfits being worn. “It was great to see Phil in Tassie.” The speeding ticket is the latest blow for the former Resources Minister, who returned to the back bench in 2016 after just six months in the job. His fall from grace came over a perceived possible conflict of interest between his business interests and his portfolio.

Mr Brooks provided incorrect answers about the use of his Maintenance Systems Solutions email account in an estimates hearing.

It was then revealed he had maintained his business email account while working as a minister.

Premier Will Hodgman almost immediately announced an audit of the account by the Crown Solicitor, but the audit was dropped in August after Mr Brooks’s then-wife objected.

Despite Mr Brooks’s divorce proceedings wrapping up eight months ago, there is no sign from the Government that the audit will be completed before voters head to the polls this year.