Queensland MP Billy Gordon charged with driving unlicensed and over limit

UPDATE: Controversial Queensland MP Billy Gordon, who is charged with drink driving, says he was affected by a death in his immediate family, but says there was no excuse for getting behind the wheel.

Billy Gordon at Queensland State Parliament. Photo: Steve Pohlner

NORTH Queensland MP Billy Gordon has been charged with drink driving.

Mr Gordon says he was affected by a death in his immediate family, but says there was no excuse for getting behind the wheel

It is understood the trouble-prone Member for Cook recorded .094 in a roadside breath test after celebrating Queensland’s State of Origin victory in the far north.

It is understood Mr Gordon was driving his partner’s car after watching the Origin game. It is also understood he has never held a full licence, only a learner’s permit.

Mr Gordon was stopped for a random breath test at Kuranda, in the state’s north and police said the Independent MP for Cook was co-operative.

It is understood the government is aware of the charges but Mr Gordon’s electoral office staff did not know about the overnight incident.

Mr Gordon is due to appear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on June 27.

He this morning issued a media release in which he apologised to the people of his electorate, his family and his supporters.

“At a time when my community needs me, I allowed personal life matters to cloud my judgment,” the statement says.

“I should not have been operating a motor vehicle.

“There is no excuse for poor judgment in this case.”

Mr Gordon thanked police for their professional conduct and requested privacy.

“I want to reiterate, that this incident does not change my desire to continue to serve the people of Cook, particularly during this difficult time for many of our indigenous communities, who make up a substantial portion of this 196,000 sq km region,’’ he said.

“I remain focused on my role and my passion for representing the people of Cook.”

Queensland’s road safety minister Mark Bailey described Mr Gordon’s alleged drink driving as “very disappointing”.

“There is no excuse for drink driving and there is no excuse for driving without a licence,” he said. “When you put other people at risk it is totally unacceptable.”

However, Mr Bailey said the issue would not impact on Mr Gordon’s ability to continue as a Member of Parliament.

“It’s an offence (but) it’s not a criminal offence,” he said. “Mr Gordon is still the Member for Cook and he has been elected by the people of Cook to represent them in Parliament.

“That doesn’t change.”

Acting Premier Jackie Trad said Mr Gordon’s future as a parliamentarian was a matter for him.

“I understand that the QPS will soon issue a statement about an alleged incident. I understand this incident is due to go before court late this month.

“I think the court should be able to do their job and to assess the charges as presented by the police.

“The government, the premier, we have been consistent on this issue. Billy Gordon is not a member of the Labor Party caucus in the Queensland Parliament.

“That has been the case for some time now. What he decides to do in terms of his seat in parliament will be entirely up to him.”