LNP defends Opposition Leader David Crisafulli over ‘nodding donkey’ quote

The LNP has rallied to defend Opposition Leader David Crisafulli over allegations of a woman problem for a comment he made while introducing his party’s three new female candidates.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli in parliament this week. Picture: NCANewswire/Glenn Campbell

The LNP have rallied to defend Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli after state government MPs attacked him as having a women problem for using the term “nodding donkey”.

The phrase has become a controversial sticking point in this week’s parliamentary sitting after the LNP leader used the term in a media article when introducing his new Redlands candidate Rebecca Young, saying she would not be a “nodding donkey” – referencing someone who continually nods behind their leader speaking.

A number of Labor MPs took the comment to be a slight against sitting Labor Redlands MP Kim Richards.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli with Rebecca Young, Natalie Marr and Yolande Entsch. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman was among those to seize on the comment, and on Wednesday produced Hansard from 2021 when Mr Crisafulli used the term “nodding donkey” to refer to Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert.

“It seems I hit a nerve yesterday when I called out (Mr Crisafulli) for describing the Member for Redlands as a ‘nodding donkey’,” she said.

“Those opposite really did not like hearing their own leader’s words repeated back to them.

“The fact of the matter is the LNP have a serious problem with women. It is evident from the things they say and the things they do.

“They have a problem with women, and the Leader of the Opposition must apologise for his appalling behaviour.”

Hansard shows the Opposition Leader has used the term before, including against male MPs.

Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie defended his leader, saying “the comment was not made in reference to any particular individual”.

Redlands MP Kim Richards. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

“This is more of the distraction and slander we have come to expect from Labor members, who are now doing and saying anything because they’re desperate to cling to power.

“A ‘nodding donkey’ is a commonly-used phrase, applied previously to men and women.”

The house also erupted when Ms Fentiman accused LNP housing spokesman Tim Mander for making an offensive remark against her, regarding the same phrase.

“During my answer to a question from the member for Redlands, I am advised that (Mr Mander) interjected when I referred to the comments ‘nodding donkey’ and said, ‘Look in the mirror’,” she said, asking the Speaker to order him to withdraw.

“It had nothing to do with anybody’s appearance or any attribute of the person. It was about looking at their own standards,” Mr Mander rebutted, before ultimately withdrawing.