Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has accused Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman of trying to “buy Aboriginal votes with grog”.
Ms Bligh made the extraordinary claim a day after her rival said he would review “paternalistic” alcohol management plans in Aboriginal communities if elected.
Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser backed Ms Bligh, saying Mr Newman was “sly-grogging for votes”.
“Let’s be very frank about what Campbell Newman is doing,” Ms Bligh told reporters on Thursday.
“He is looking to buy Aboriginal votes with grog. It’s disgusting.
“One of the things that has kept Aboriginal women safer has been our government’s alcohol restrictions.”
Mr Fraser said votes were already being counted in north Queensland electorates such as Cook.
“His actions yesterday show the depths of depravity the LNP will go to,” Mr Fraser said.
Comment was being sought from Mr Newman.
Ms Bligh was later asked if Aboriginal voters should be offended by her suggestion that their votes can be bought with alcohol.
She replied: “I think what’s offensive is that Campbell Newman will wind back the clock and put women and children at risk of alcohol-fuelled violence.”
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