Townsville MP Les Walker, two men involved in assault cop fines

The Labor MP banned from Townsville’s party precinct over a bar room brawl has apologised to the Premier.

The popular Mad Cow nightclub on Flinders St in Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she’s spoken to an MP fined $800 for his involvement in a nightclub brawl and has accepted his apology.

After earlier refusing to comment on Labor Member for Mundingburra Les Walker’s fine and a notice banning him for Townsville’s Safe Night Precinct, Ms Palaszczuk issued a statement late today.

“I have spoken to Les,” she said.

“He has apologised to me and I have accepted his apology.

“He will also apologise to his community.”

The incident happened during birthday celebrations for Mr Walker last Saturday night.

Earlier, the nightclub concerned hit out, saying its name has been tarnished by the incident.

A statement from Mad Cow Tavern director Mark Napier said today the venue had policies and procedures in place to ensure it was a safe environment, and took seriously its obligations under the Liquor Act.

Queensland Labor MP Les Walker with police after the incident

“With no response from the Labor Party and/or MP Les Walker since the alleged incident last weekend at the Mad Cow Tavern, my business is being somewhat tarnished by the incident, and by some media outlets, aligning the venue with the actions of the individuals involved,” Mr Napier said.

He said the Mad Cow Tavern took the safety of patrons seriously and did not condone any violence by patrons.

“Unfortunately, no matter what controls are in place, venues cannot predict the actions of a very small minority of patrons who commit violent and/or other criminal acts against staff, other patrons or authorities,” Mr Napier said.

“It is these individuals the Townsville Safe Night Precinct are working towards stamping out.”

The Courier-Mail can reveal CCTV shows Mr Walker shoving another man moments before he was punched and knocked out by the man’s friend.

The 56-year-old was taken to Townsville University Hospital for treatment shortly before 1am.

Townsville MP Les Walker has been banned from the city’s nightclub precinct.

The two men involved in the altercation, aged 19 and 21, were also issued with public nuisance infringement notices and banned from the Townsville Safe Night Precinct.

It is understood the two young men approached Mr Walker about an event earlier in the night at the club.

One of the men could be seen having an interaction with Mr Walker before returning to sit down.

The CCTV then shows Mr Walker approach that man and shove him before being punched and knocked unconscious by the man’s friend.

Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, police can issue a banning notice from Safe Night Precincts if a person has behaved in a disorderly, offensive or violent way.

The banning notices will prohibit Mr Walker from entering venues in a large part of the Townsville CBD, including the casino, for 10 days from today.

However he can still drive through the precinct.

Mr Walker received a fine of $800 for the incident.

The State Government is due to hold a Cabinet meeting in the city next Wednesday.

Opposition integrity spokeswoman Fiona Simpson issued a one-line statement on news of Mr Walker’s fine and ban.

“I look forward to hearing what Les Walker and the Premier of Queensland have to say, today,” she said.