Queensland election 2017: Rick Williams and Malcolm Roberts

THEY are the wildcards who have entered the state election race at the 11th hour, ready to cause carnage.

Malcolm Roberts

• Dumped MP ‘used’ for vote
• Ousted Roberts on campaign trail

THEY are the wildcards who have entered the election race at the 11th hour, ready to cause carnage.

Rick Williams and Malcolm Roberts have not been without controversy in the past, and are set to throw a spanner in the works for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as she attempts to win a second term.

Ms Palaszczuk sensationally sacked the trouble-prone Mr Williams on Friday night, giving her the “something extraordinary” she was seeking to trigger an election.

Seeing red from his dismissal, Mr Williams immediately hit out against the Labor Party, slamming Ms Palaszczuk and her Government and accusing them of muzzling him for three years – among other claims.

“They basically used my vote for the last 33 months and now they go and do this to me,” he said.

Rick Williams still intends to run for Pumicestone.

Incensed with his treatment, Mr Williams insists he is still set to win the seat of Pumicestone, the most marginal seat in the state, as an Independent.

He had even prepared election signage without any reference to Labor in anticipation of one day leaving the party.

It is believed Mr Williams had previously made threats to leave the party.

It was a recording of Mr Williams allegedly threatening a local newspaper editor during a conversation on Wednesday, that was the final straw for Ms Palaszczuk.

She said he no longer lived up to her standards.

“I have spoken to him a number of times. I spoke with him recently. I told him very clearly I did not want to hear of any more arguments or fights with people and it happened over the last two days,” she said.

Mr Williams responded by saying Leader of the House Stirling Hinchliffe had listened to the audio and said there was no issue on Thursday. Mr Hinchliffe has denied the claim.

“Upon hearing the audio, I immediately instructed him to go the Premier’s office,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

The troublesome MP said he would one day release the recording of the tape that saw him get the sack, saying it would clear his name.

Lifting the lid on the inner workings of the Government, Mr Williams alleges the party tried to install “spies” in his office in an attempt to pull him into line, while ministers and unions abused him for his personal stance on abortion.

Malcolm Roberts has his sights set on the state election.

Ms Palaszczuk has approached Bribie Island State High School teacher Michael Hoogwaerts as a replacement.

After being dramatically booted from federal Parliament on Friday, former One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts will attempt to enter the next Queensland Parliament. Party leader Pauline Hanson has parachuted him into the winnable seat of Ipswich.

Despite not living near the electorate, Mr Roberts said he was confident of causing a political upset against sitting Labor MP Jenni Howard.

“This town has been neglected by Labor,” he said.

“The Labor Party takes Ipswich for granted.” Mr Roberts did not rule out any preference deals for Ipswich.

New Labor candidate for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke has attempted to move on from the acrimonious preselection called by Annastacia Palaszczuk following Minister Bill Byrne announcing he would not run again due to ill health.

“Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called me this morning to offer her congratulations and her determination for me to be another strong voice for Rockhampton,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“I want to acknowledge Mayor Margaret Strelow for her dignified role in the preselection and for her leadership of the council for the city we both love.”

Originally published as Queensland election 2017: Rick Williams and Malcolm Roberts