Crisafulli says court case must play out before LNP returns charged ex-MP’s donation
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has defended his party’s acceptance of a donation from a former MP facing criminal charges, saying Michael Trout deserves his day in court before deciding whether to return the money.
Police charged Trout, the former member for Barron River and LNP regional chairman for far north Queensland, after his alleged involvement in a May 17 brawl at Holloways Beach, north of Cairns.
While under investigation, Trout made a $17,500 donation to the LNP, according to Electoral Commission of Queensland records.
Michael Trout (left) with then-premier Campbell Newman and LNP Mulgrave candidate Robyn Quick during the 2015 campaign.Credit: Renee Melides
The donation, first reported by the ABC on Friday, came to light in the midst of an LNP election campaign firmly focused on violent crime.
Speaking at Redland Bay on Saturday, Crisafulli said it was too early to say whether the LNP should refund the donation.
“The court will determine whether or not he’s guilty or innocent, and that would therefore determine his nature as a fit and proper person,” he said.
Further pressed, Crisafulli continued to say it was important justice ran its course.
“I don’t think any of you would suggest that someone doesn’t deserve their day in court,” he told journalists.
“Now, as for his involvement in the interim, he’s taking the decision to step aside [from LNP duties], but whether or not he’s guilty or innocent and therefore able to make a contribution, I think the court is a fair place to determine [that].
“...If the court case was to come up with a guilty verdict, then there’s a vastly different question you put to me, and I’d have a vastly different answer.”
Premier Steven Miles was quick to seize on the issue, as he toured a social and affordable housing development at Nerang.
“The LNP really go from tough on crime to soft on crime pretty quickly, don’t they? ” he said.
“As soon as it’s one of their senior leaders accused of assault, they don’t even want to comment on it.
“I saw David Crisafulli saying he wouldn’t comment until the court was decided. Well, he’s never shown that kind of restraint before.
“This is a bloke they’ve accepted $17,000 from since he has been accused. It really goes to the credibility of this bloke when it comes to crime.
Miles said Labor would “probably” return the donation if the roles were reversed.
“It would depend on the circumstances,” he said.
Comment has been sought from Trout.
Crisafulli was in the Redlands to announce a $35 million commitment to upgrade stormwater systems flowing into Moreton Bay, adding filtration to stop plastic ending up in the water.
“Let me put it into perspective. It’s called ‘zero litter to the bay’, because where you install these things, nothing bigger than the cigarette is getting through,” he said.
“It’ll remove about 6000 wheelie bins of rubbish every single year flowing into the Moreton Bay.”
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