OPPOSITION Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk took advantage of a campaign launch in Thornlands this morning to slam Premier Campbell Newman for backing disendorsed Redlands MP Peter Dowling.
Mr Dowling was unceremoniously dumped as the LNP candidate for the seat he has held since 2009 in a party branch ballot at Redland Bay yesterday.
Ms Palaszczuk said the move would give Redlands voters “a fresh start” and said her Labor candidate, barrister Deb Kellie, offered integrity and respect.
“Campbell Newman arrogantly thinks Peter Dowling's behaviour is acceptable for a Member of Parliament. I don't,” she told Redland City Bulletin.
“The fact that this man has had the Premier's full support says everything about this out-of-touch LNP government,that is all about self-interest, rather than Queenslanders' interests.
“I congratulate the branch members of the region for showing the common sense and the decency the Premier couldn't, by rejecting Mr Dowling and his scandals.
“Now that the embarrassment that is Mr Dowling's career is over, the people of the Redlands have an opportunity for a fresh start with a candidate to whom integrity and respect come second nature.”
Ms Kellie said she would be campaigning hard until the election focusing on correcting the loss of services through government cuts to hospitals, public transport, TAFE and increases in the cost of living.
Ms Palaszczuk was at Pinklands to support Ms Kellie and also launch the campaign for Cleveland candidate Tracey Huges.
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