‘Role model’ Annastacia Palaszczuk backs MPs facing complaints over treatment of women

Two Labor MPs facing complaints over their treatment of women have been supported by Annastacia Palaszczuk just moments after she delivered a monologue about being a female role model.

Two Labor MPs who have faced complaints over their treatment of women have been supported by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk just moments after she delivered a monologue about being a role model to women and young girls.

Ms Palaszczuk on Monday insisted she was comfortable having Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden and chief whip Don Brown – who have faced separate claims about a lack of respect for women – in her government.

The public show of support was made despite just moments earlier promoting herself as a “strong role model” to women and young girls.

Mr Madden was found to have breached Labor Party rules 22 times for his treatment of electorate staffer Alison Young, who has previously shared her experience of poor treatment while working in his Ipswich West office.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks to the media during a press conference in Brisbane. Picture: Tertius Pickard/NCA NewsWire

Separately, Mr Brown faced claims of “hateful and bullying” conduct by Redlands Mayor Karen Williams, whose looks Mr Brown rated as a “5”.

“I expect everyone to be treating one another and other people with respect and as a member of parliament, respect is pretty important,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

When reminded Mr Madden was found to have not treated women with respect, Ms Palaszczuk said he had “indicated he’s not running” at the next election and would remain on his $195,000 salary until then.

She said Mr Brown, who pockets $260,000 each year, was a “very capable” member of parliament.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon with MP Jim Madden. Pic: Adam Head

Ms Young, who has sued the Parliamentary Service for her experience in Mr Madden’s office, this month questioned why Ms Palaszczuk and the government had marched in support of Brittany Higgins’ demands for respect, but were now silent on her treatment.

Mr Brown and Mr Madden were contacted for comment.

Both are from Labor’s left faction, while Ms Palaszczuk is in the minority right.

In promoting her leadership, the premier said Queensland politics “needs good people”.

“I’ve stood my ground and I think the young girls and the young women out there have a strong role model that says to them that women and girls can do anything they want in this state and I think there should be more of them,” she said.

Member for Capalaba and whip Don Brown