2024 Qld state election: LNP’s David Crisafulli to decide on donation after former MP Michael Trout faces court

The LNP will not seek to return a $17,500 election donation made to his party by Michael Trout after the former Barron River MP was charged with assault.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli during a media conference in Redland Bay to announce Zero Litter to the Bay by 2030. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli will not seek to return a $17,500 election donation made to his party by Michael Trout after the former Barron River MP was charged with assaulting a young indigenous woman.

Mr Trout, who has since stepped away from his role as a regional LNP chairman, made the political donation prior to being charged with assault in August.

Mr Trout denies the allegations.

Mr Crisafulli on Saturday defended Mr Trout’s right to a fair trial, saying he would not consider repaying the donation until he had his day in court.

“If the person is determined not to be a fit and proper person, well, then you could then justifiably say to me, would you repay the money?” he said.

“Now, whilst it is going before court, he has an individual that stood aside from all duties of the LNP, as for as for the donation, his ability to contribute into that that should be determined based on whether or not he’s a guilty.”

According to electoral commission records, Mr Trout made a $17,500 donation to the LNP in June.

Former Member for Barron River Michael Trout.

He is alleged to have assaulted Cairns locals Leah Kawane, 23, and her husband Jessie Howie, 32, at a home at Holloways Beach on May 17.

Mr Crisafulli on Saturday would not confirm whether the LNP had already spent the donation, or if it would be kept in holding during the court proceedings.

“If the court case was to come up with a guilty verdict, then there’s a vastly different question you’ve put to me, and I’d have a vastly different answer,” he said.

“But whilst somebody is going through court, surely they deserve their day in court.”

Premier Steven Miles hammered the move, noting the donation was accepted after Mr Trout had been charged.

“As soon as it’s one of their senior leaders accused of assault, they don’t even want to comment on it,” he said.

“I saw David Crisafulli saying he wouldn’t comment until the court matter was decided.

“If it was Labor David Crisafulli probably wouldn’t be waiting till there was a court outcome to comment.”

Originally published as 2024 Qld state election: LNP’s David Crisafulli to decide on donation after former MP Michael Trout faces court