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Billy Gordon: Queensland Labor thrown into turmoil after Cook MP admits to undisclosed criminal history

Billy Gordon: Queensland Labor thrown into turmoil after Cook MP admits to undisclosed criminal history

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.

"Throughout my life I have had to overcome many challenges and adversities, in particular as a young Indigenous boy.

"Growing up in a family that had its challenges and was far from perfect where both my mother and father struggled daily to keep the family together.

"I recognise that my own personal circumstances are no excuse for my non-disclosure, however from this troubled and fractured past I've managed to piece together a positive and constructive life."

While Mr Gordon said he had not disclosed his full record, Ms Palaszczuk has been criticised by the opposition for her handling of the matter.

Her office received a letter detailing the domestic violence complaint on March 18 but only referred it to police to more than a week later.

Pressure for Mr Gordon to resign or be sacked

Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said Ms Palaszczuk had no choice but to sack Mr Gordon.

"I don't think he meets the expectations of Queenslanders," he said.

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."

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."

Katter's Australian Party (KAP) MP Rob Katter did not want to see upheaval in government but said KAP would only provide stability for the Labor government if it met certain conditions.

"They definitely deserve consideration from us to provide them with government," he said.

"We do want to give them a go at government, but that's conditional on them meeting some of the commitments that we have and we must demand on behalf of rural and regional Queensland."

The Labor party and Premier's office has not returned numerous calls from the ABC this morning, but Ms Palaszczuk has scheduled a media conferencefor midday in Townsville.

Morning news break – March 29