Gordon demands meeting with Qld govt

After weeks of silence, outcast MP Billy Gordon says he's seeking a meeting with the Queensland Government about a mining project.

Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has pledged to restore Queenslanders' trust in their government. (AAP)

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she'll work with former Labor MP Billy Gordon - and he has wasted no time taking her up on the offer.

Ms Palaszczuk on Monday said she'd treat all MPs the same, including Mr Gordon, despite still wanting him to quit parliament over domestic violence allegations and his criminal past.

"That means if they want briefings, if they want to talk to members of my government, we will deal with everyone equally," she said.

"He is representing the constituents of Cook and I expect him to do that job just as every other member does."

It seems Mr Gordon heard the message, issuing a statement a short time later demanding a meeting over a bauxite mine on traditional lands in far north Queensland.

"I am very concerned that critical due process may not have been administered by the Newman government in its oversight of such a significant and symbolic project," he said.

"I have sought an urgent briefing from the Minister for State Development, Anthony Lynham, regarding the actions of the Newman government ... on whether due process has occurred and that the legal rights of the Wik and Wik Way people have not been trampled upon."

Mr Gordon said he would be requesting a halt on the project to allow an independent review to consider the views of the traditional owners.

He had earlier told ABC Radio that he would stay full-term and had the "ability to become a really effective member".

Mr Gordon returned to his electorate office in Mareeba on Monday after recovering from eye surgery.

It's also the first time he's returned since it emerged his ex-partner accused him of domestic violence and he had old criminal convictions he didn't tell the Labor party about.

Mr Gordon quit the Labor party last month to become an independent before he was pushed.

The premier and Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg both said they wouldn't accept Mr Gordon's vote in parliament, but there is no way they can enforce that without changing how voting takes place.

Ms Palaszczuk's softer approach towards Mr Gordon is likely to give her minority government more stability when parliament resumes in May.

Mr Gordon has already said he'll back his former party unless he has to go against his constituents in his far north Queensland electorate.


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Source: AAP


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