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LNP expels Queensland MP over harassment claims

A Queensland MP has been dumped by his party after two young women complained about his behaviour towards them.

Jason Costigan has been suspended.
Jason Costigan has been suspended. Source: Facebook - Jason Costigan

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Queensland's LNP has booted out embattled MP Jason Costigan, insisting it's the right thing to do even though it will now be harder to win the next state election.

The Liberal National Party dumped the Whitsunday MP on Friday in the wake of harassment allegations from an 18-year-old woman.

A second young woman, aged 20, later made a similar complaint of predatory behaviour relating to text messages she says she received from him last year.

Details of the claims have not been publicly released and party leader Deb Frecklington says they will remain confidential.

Queensland LNP Leader Deb Frecklington and acting LNP President David Hutchinson discuss Jason Costigan.
Queensland LNP Leader Deb Frecklington and acting LNP President David Hutchinson discuss Jason Costigan. Source: AAP

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She called on the MP to resign from parliament.

"He has disgraced the office and he should go now," she told reporters.

"I don't care about the political cost, this is about protecting young women and victims against predators."

The LNP received the second complaint as Mr Costigan was strenuously denying on Thursday any wrongdoing relating to the first complaint.

He displayed a selfie he had taken with the girl to the media at that press conference, and called her claims "crap".

The party's disputes committee found the MP's conduct breached its constitution and recommended his expulsion, which the executive acted upon on Friday.

Acting LNP president David Hutchinson said Mr Costigan was expelled and no longer a member of the party.

"The LNP fully recognises the significance of this action, and understands that removing a sitting MP will make the challenge of winning the next state election more difficult," he said.

Mr Hutchinson commended Ms Frecklington for her strong leadership on the matter.

Ms Frecklington told reporters on Thursday that, as the mother of three girls, the claims had made her feel sick and her skin crawl.

The complaint has been referred to police in another state.

Comment has been sought from Mr Costigan.


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