Embattled MP returns to Qld parliament

Queensland MP Scott Driscoll has defended serious claims against him after attending parliament for the first time in months.

Embattled Queensland MP Scott Driscoll has returned to parliament for the first time in four months and has defended serious claims against him.

The now independent member for Redcliffe quit the Liberal National Party in April on the eve of a meeting that would have seen him expelled from the party.

He is facing investigations for official misconduct.

Mr Driscoll last spoke in parliament in March and missed 13 sitting days.

He returned last night, but said he did so despite doctor's orders.

He challenged findings by the industrial relations commission, including that the funds of a retail lobby group were misused when he was controlling the organisation.

"I don't believe there's been any testing of that evidence. I don't believe there's been any cross examination of that evidence," he told the ABC.

Queensland's corruption watchdog, and police, are continuing to investigate aspects of Mr Driscoll's conduct.

He's previously denied allegations he secretly controlled a community group from his electorate office and paid his wife tens of thousands of dollars in consultancy fees.

Mr Driscoll, whose absence from parliament has been put down to ill health, said he'd continue to attend on sitting days as long as his health allowed.

Mr Driscoll's appearance means he'll avoid any risk of having his seat declared vacant.

Parliament can do so if a member is absent for more than 21 days without the assembly's permission.

But the MP said that had nothing to do with his return.

He said he wanted to get back to work, despite his doctors' orders.

He said he was moved by the reception he received by members on both sides of the parliament.


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Source: AAP


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