Billy Gordon: Queensland Labor thrown into turmoil after Cook MP admits to undisclosed criminal history ABCMarch 29, 2015, 10:33 am  Share 
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 Labor s Billy Gordon has won the far northern seat of Cook.
Labor's Billy Gordon has won the far northern seat of Cook. The Queensland Labor party has been thrown into turmoil after the Member for Cook, Billy Gordon, admitted to a long criminal history that he had not disclosed to his colleagues. Mr Gordon last night released a statement through the party outlining a criminal history dating back to the 1980s, including break and enter offences, public nuisance and breaching bail and probation. He also revealed his mother took out an apprehended violence order against him in 2008. Mr Gordon has been in the spotlight during the first week of parliament, since allegations of domestic violence were levelled against him by a former partner, who also claimed he did not pay child support. In the letter he apologised to the people of Cook, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the party for not disclosing the information and said he would cooperate with any investigation. "Over the last couple of days details of my personal life have been made public ... issues ranging from failure to lodge tax returns, failure to pay appropriate child support and most significantly allegations of domestic violence," he said. "In relation to allegations of domestic violence the Premier has referred this matter to the Queensland Police Commissioner for investigation. "I welcome this investigation and will provide it with full cooperation." Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Ms Palaszczuk had no choice but to sack Mr Gordon. Labor holds 44 seats in the 89-seat Parliament and the Liberal National Party has 42. Ms Palaszczuk's control of the Parliament relies on support of Independent Peter Wellington. Mr Wellington gave his support to Labor to form a minority on the condition there was not gross fraud, misappropriation or like illegal activities. "I was pretty clear on the issues which were important to me and the reasons to why I chose to support Annastacia Palaszczuk to be the next premier, my position has not changed," he said. "We have had a vote on the floor of Parliament the Government did win that vote 44, to 42, my vote was not needed, Parliament is not due to resume until May but I understand the premier will be making a statement later today." When Mr Wellington was asked if he could continue his support for the Labor Government, he said: "My position has not changed". But Mr Wellington said Mr Gordon should resign. "I believe he should step down and there should be a by-election," he said. "But he has to make that decision."
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