Politics-in-the-pub event gets heated after punter accuses prime minister of jumping the queue

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Did Malcolm Turnbull commit the ultimate Aussie pub sin and jump the queue?

One (intoxicated) Brisbane man certainly thought so, and allegedly unleashed a torrent of abuse – and the finger – at the prime minister and his companions, at a politics-at-the-pub event in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs on Thursday night.

But the 27-year-old Carina man didn’t even realise who he was flipping the bird to – he was just inflamed by the wait at the bar.

“Police will allege the man became abusive to a group at the bar due to the group being served before him,” a Queensland police spokesman said of the incident at the Carindale hotel.

“He was immediately arrested and escorted from the hotel.”

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The man has been handed a fine for failing to leave the premises, and was reportedly remorseful over his actions.

The early evening event continued as planned and on Friday morning Turnbull described it as having gone “very well”.

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“A very, very warm reception in every respect, it was great to be there with Ross Vasta [the local MP],” he told Brisbane reporters.

“We had a great visit. It was a very warm welcome, an open session and there were a questions on a whole range of topics.

“There was one gentleman there who clearly had had, err, a few drinks too many.

“And I think he was, ahhh, he was assisted in making an early return home. Which is probably where he should have gone earlier in the evening, as I’m sure he’s worked out by this morning.”

If you are a politician who doesn’t expect a bit of free advice from the cheap seats, you are dreaming Bill Shorten

Bill Shorten had some sympathy for Turnbull when asked about the incident but also offered some advice.

“No one should abuse anyone – it doesn’t matter if it is Malcolm Turnbull or somebody’s grandmother,” he said on a visit to Western Australia.

“I also have to say, if you are a politician who doesn’t expect a bit of free advice from the cheap seats, you are dreaming. I know I started off doing these town hall meetings, and I notice Mr Turnbull has adopted a similar style, so perhaps he would be better off to turn the alcohol off. It’s probably best not to serve alcohol during your political events.”

Both leaders will continue the unofficial super Saturday byelection campaigns before returning to Canberra for the resumption of parliament on Monday.