Mirani MP forced to apologise Candidate ‘not sorry’ for stunt
TROY Thompson has caused grief for Mirani MP Stephen Andrew with a political stunt at Parliament House in Brisbane.
The One Nation MP has been forced to apologise in parliament after Mr Thompson, a guest of Mr Andrew, broke parliamentary rules.
This is the second time Mr Andrews has been forced to apologise in parliament, after CCTV footage captured his guests rummaging through the personal desks of MPS in 2018.
Speaker Curtis Pitt told parliament yesterday morning that he had been made aware of a photo Mr Thompson put on social media showing his own campaign material covering the door of Aaron Harper.
He said members were responsible for the behaviour of their guests and Mr Thompson had behaved inappropriately.
“Passholders must ensure guests do not go into areas where they’re not permitted, or engage in inappropriate conduct with other members or staff, or attempt to access the private papers of other members,” Mr Pitt said.
“The social media post shows the display of political material on the precinct, and posting of paraphernalia on another member’s office door.
“The activity could at best be considered immature.
“In any event, it’s not appropriate behaviour on the parliamentary precinct.”
Mr Andrews has been referred to the ethics committee, which will decide how long it will be before the Mirani MP can bring visitors back to parliament.
The MP gave an emotional apology in the house, saying he had never gone out of his way to be disrespectful or indecently treat other members of parliament.
“I had no understanding of this, I didn’t know it happened and there’s no way I endorse that type of treatment in putting other people or members down in this House,” he said.
Mr Thompson was anything but apologetic, however, and said he was disappointed the Mirani MP had been forced to make a statement.
“Mr Harper’s do-nothing attitude towards crime across Thuringowa and Townsville is unethical in its own right and nothing would make me happier to post a photo in the future with the name Troy Thompson on suite 10.04,” he said.
“Only then will crime be dealt across North Queensland.” with