Car crashes into office of Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates

The office of a senior MP on the Gold Coast has been extensively damaged after an out-of-control car smashed into the premises this afternoon. After fearing the incident may have been politically motivated, the cause turned out to be much more innocent.

Day 15 of the State Election campaign went off with a bang for Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates when a learner driver crashed into her office, leaving a giant hole in the brick building.

At least two staffers were in the Ms Bates’ office when the SUV slammed into it on Tuesday, while about five people were in an adjoining dental surgery and ran outside.

Ros Bates peers through the wall to the carpark outside her office in Mudgeeraba. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The driver was a 17-year-old learner who “accidentally hit the accelerator and not the brake”, Gold Coast police Senior-Sergeant Angelique Maloney said.

“Unfortunately he’s collided with our Member of Parliment’s brick wall,” she said.

“Definitely nothing sinister … we’re investigating still.”

The accident left a large hole in Ros Bates' wall. Picture: Greg Stolz

Ms Bates, who has had a running battle with hoons including a group known as the Mexican Hoon Cartel, said she initially feared the crash may have been politically motivated.

She said she was relieved that no-one was hurt but said her two staff members and a volunteer who were in the office at the time were “terrified”.

“It was the biggest explosion,” she said.

“It was fright or flight and they just ran in the other direction.

“This is pretty dramatic and I guess the best thing is that he’s (the driver) safe, his mum’s safe and my staff are safe.”

The accident left a large hole in Ros Bates' wall. Picture: Greg Stolz

Originally published as Car crashes into office of Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates