KATTER’S Australian Party will accept the ‘‘tainted’’ vote of outcast Queensland MP Billy Gordon in an effort to secure more funding for rural and regional areas.
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KAP has two members in the hung state parliament, and leader Rob Katter says Mr Gordon has agreed to align himself with them on several key areas, including the push for an inland highway, cost-of-living concerns and regional unemployment.
Mr Gordon quit the minority Labor government over his undisclosed criminal record and domestic abuse allegations, and is staying in parliament as an independent.
He has said he will support Labor unless he has to go against the wishes of his electorate of Cook in far north Queensland.
Mr Katter rejected claims from the major parties that Mr Gordon’s vote was ‘‘tainted’’, with the Liberal National Party and Labor saying they will not accept his support on the floor of parliament.
‘‘At the moment he legitimately has a position in parliament. He was elected by the people of Cook,’’ Mr Katter said.
‘‘I believe he’s still got a lot of support up there.
‘‘We’re happy to work with anyone to progress those things that are critical to the survival of rural and regional Queensland.’’
Mr Katter said he had not asked Mr Gordon to join KAP, but accepted the party was in an even stronger position.
‘‘Obviously, it’s in our best interests to have a tight parliament,’’ Mr Katter said.
‘‘But, at the same time, we really want to make it clear that we’re not here to be spoilers and deliberately agitate and play political games.’’
