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Ban the beer, Bill Shorten tells PM after man gives him the finger

Bill Shorten calls for Malcolm Turnbull to ban alcohol from political events after a man allegedly abused the PM and ‘gave him the finger’ at a pub.

Malcolm Turnbull is photobombed as he is pictured with MP Ross Vasta meeting the locals at the Carindale Hotel in Brisbane last night. Picture: AAP
Malcolm Turnbull is photobombed as he is pictured with MP Ross Vasta meeting the locals at the Carindale Hotel in Brisbane last night. Picture: AAP

Bill Shorten has called for Malcolm Turnbull to ban alcohol from his political events after a Brisbane man was fined for allegedly yelling abuse at the Prime Minister and giving him “the finger’’ at a Brisbane pub last night.

A 26-year-old landscaper was halted by bodyguards and police when he approached Mr Turnbull while sticking up his middle finger at the Carindale Hotel in Brisbane last night.

Mr Turnbull had arrived for a politics in the pub event with a crowd of Coalition supporters.

Mr Shorten said no one should abuse anyone, but called for Mr Turnbull to stop holding political events where alcohol was served.

“No one should abuse anyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s Malcolm Turnbull or someone’s grandmother, you shouldn’t abuse people,” the Labor leader said.

“I think politicians like other people should be able to go about their business without getting abuse.

“I also have to say that if you’re a politician who doesn’t expect a bit of advice from the cheap seats well then you’re dreaming.

“I also think that, I know I started off doing these public town hall meetings. I notice Mr Turnbull has adopted a similar style subsequently. Perhaps he’d be better off when he does his events to turn the alcohol off.

“I think sometimes when you hold public meetings and the alcohol taps are open, well you’re sort of, it’s more exciting then than incendiary, isn’t it? It’s best not to serve alcohol, Malcolm, during your political events.”

Mr Turnbull said last night’s pub and earlier shopping centre visit with local Liberal MP Ross Vasta had gone very well.

“He seemed to know almost everybody in the Westfield shopping centre at Caringdale, of which the pub was part,” Mr Turnbull said.

“We had a great visit. It was a very warm welcome, an open session, and there were questions on a whole range of topics.

“There was one gentleman there who clearly had had a few drinks too many, and I think he was assisted to make an early return home, which is probably where he should have gone earlier in the evening, as I’m sure he’s worked out by this morning.”

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/ban-the-beer-bill-shorten-tells-pm-after-man-gives-him-the-finger/news-story/323cc7666e1222a9ab9a67078ade0e3a