LAST SILENCED ON WALKER CASE

BURDEKIN MP Dale Last has been shut down in parliament after he tried to speak out against Les Walker.

Mr Walker, the member for Mundingburra, was issued with a notice to appear over an alleged altercation with a man on Palmer St on July 30. He was charged with common assault and disorderly on a licensed premises, but plans to contest the charges in court. The matter is subject to case conferencing.

Standing in parliament, Mr Last (pictured) said he would “not go into” the matter before the court, but was still stopped three times.

Deputy Speaker of the House Joe Kelly paused the clock multiple times to warn Mr Last the matter before

the court could not be referred to “either directly or indirectly”.

When Mr Last claimed Mr Walker was “contributing” to Townsville’s crime issues, he was stopped again. “That is grossly disorderly,” Mr Kelly said. “I caution you that continued disorderliness will result in you being sat down.”

“Les Walker has been missing in action,” Mr Last said after he was shut down in parliament.

“Mundingburra is losing its voice, because their local MP isn’t standing up for his constituents.”

Mr Last also claimed Mr Walker was still being paid for his role on the Transport and Resources Committee, which he stood down from following the alleged altercation.

“If Les Walker isn’t doing the extra work, he shouldn’t be receiving the extra cash,” he said.

However, the state government has confirmed Mr Walker has not been paid for his position since he stood aside in early August. The Burdekin MP said Mr Walker should “prove” he is no longer receiving extra allowances.