MP’S BRAVE HEART

GOLD Coast MP Rob Molhoek did a very brave thing this week.

We can only imagine the effort it took as the Member for Southport rose to his feet in State Parliament to talk of the time, as a 10-year-old boy, he was abused by one of his father’s clients while his dad – a painting contractor – was absent for about an hour.

It was not until 1998 that Mr Molhoek realised he should go to police. He was driving across the Sundale bridge and a recollection of the incident flashed through his mind. He wondered if “that bastard’’ was still out there somewhere. Believing he owed it to others who might have also been abused by the man, he went to police and then learned the person had died.

That need to speak up to help protect others also drove him to get up in Parliament, push his prepared notes aside and reveal the horrible experience that had been buried in his past. It takes courage and as we have learned, as well as a having a commitment to Bravehearts he has shared his story privately to help others.

He is to be applauded for doing what he believes was right.