Man pursues charges against Brunker

18 Aug 2010, 2:53 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A man who claims he was punched by a Labor candidate in a marginal Queensland seat has lodged an official complaint with police.

A man who claims he was punched by a Labor candidate in a marginal Queensland seat has lodged an official complaint with police.

Bowen Turf Club president Cyril Vains lodged the complaint against Labor's Dawson candidate Mike Brunker on Wednesday, a day after claiming the party pressured him to hold off on police action.

Mr Vains claims Mr Brunker, the mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, struck him in the face at the weekend and hopes the candidate will be charged with assault.

Mr Brunker has admitted having a tussle with the 68-year-old on Saturday over campaign boards being displayed at the race track's car park and entrance.

Mr Vains told AAP he had signed a statement at the Bowen police station on Wednesday and the issue was now in the hands of officers.

"I'm hoping they will charge him with assault," he said.

Mr Vains, who says he's been a member of the ALP's Bowen branch for 37 years, also wants the party to dump Mr Brunker as a candidate.

Mr Brunker said he had not heard anything from police yet.

"I don't know if he has (lodged an official complaint). He's been threatening to do so all week," Mr Brunker told AAP.

"He has a personal vendetta against me and wants to keep this issue in the media, but I bet come Saturday (election day) he'll drop the issue."

Mr Brunker said he was king hit by Mr Vains and he had reliable witnesses, including deputy mayor Rogin Taylor and a church minister, to back up his version of events.

He said that after the election he might pursue charges against Mr Vains.

Comment has been sought from the ALP.

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