Queensland politics: Evan Moorhead-One Nation deal ‘absolute crap’

QUEENSLAND Labor and One Nation have clashed over both parties’ claims the other approached them seeking a preference deal at the next election.

LABOR state secretary Evan Moorhead says Senator Pauline Hanson’s claims he sought a preference deal with One Nation is “absolute crap”.

Mr Moorhead said it was One Nation that approached him, via Ms Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby, and he told them there would be no deal.

Labor state secretary Evan Moorhead says One Nation approached him seeking a preference deal.

His denial comes after Ms Hanson told the Senate Mr Moorhead had sought a deal, wanting One Nation to run dead in some seats in exchange for Labor running dead in others.

“Labor has approached One Nation for preferences,” Ms Hanson told the Senate.

“How about Evan Moorhead, the Queensland state secretary.

“ Well he actually called up my staff on January 25th of this year and wanted to do a grubby deal with us. Okay. A grubby deal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also dismissed Ms Hanson’s claim.

“There is no deal between the Labor Party and One Nation,” she said.

“There is going to be a clear choice at the next election.”

It comes as the West Australian Liberal party caused waves by announcing it will preference One Nation ahead of the Nationals.

Queensland Liberal National Party leader Tim Nicholls has not ruled out making a deal with the right-wing fringe party, referring to them as “the B-team” over Labor’s “C-team” at a press conference recently.

The state election is due by May 2018 but is expected to be called in the second half of this year.