LNP trio’s racist clip won’t be ‘forgotten’

OPPOSITION leader Deb Frecklington said she believes the Young LNP Gold Coast members suspended over a “racist video” have “learnt their lesson”.

Ms Frecklington offered a short apology for the actions of the junior party members after calls from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday.

Three young LNP members, including the Gold Coast branch president, were disciplined over the video on Tuesday, in which a comment was made denigrating indigenous culture.

“Within 24 hours the party has acted and they suspended those three young men. I apologise for the comments and the party has acted,” Ms Frecklington told the media.

A journalist then asked: “When did you apologise?

“I just apologised,” Ms Frecklington said.

The opposition leader said she believes those involved had “learnt their lesson.”

“We have these three young people who I am quite sure this will affect the rest of their life,” she said.

“I am quite sure they have learnt their lesson.”

Member for Surfers Paradise John Paul Langbroek said he also believed the decision by the young LNP members to post the “inappropriate clip” will be not be easily forgotten.

“It is a problem I think we have with a lot of young people across the board as they mature – at times they are going to say things which are completely inappropriate and unacceptable. The LNP has dealt with them,” Mr Langbroek said.

A young LNP member told the Bulletin that the local branch will take time to recover.

“I don’t think those who participated will be seen fondly among party friends,” they said.

“It is certainly a great deal of work for members to now rebuild their reputation.”