Youth program could be run at centre linked to ex-MP who punched woman

Queensland's opposition has asked how a facility managed by LNP donor and former MP Michael Trout could potentially host youth rehabilitation programs. Mr Trout pleaded guilty to causing an affray after punching a 23-year-old Cairns woman in 2024. A Youth Justice Department spokesperson said the camp's provider suggested the facility as an alternative site in case the main location flooded. A Queensland program to help troubled young people could be run from an outdoor centre linked to a former LNP politician who punched a woman in the face. Queensland Labor opposition asked how the facility, where the former MP has been listed as a general manager, was chosen. The Youth Justice Department said it was selected by the provider running the program and would only be used if the main location flooded. The $50 million Regional Reset program offers one-to-three-week camps that aim to steer young people away from crime. Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre, south of Cairns, has been proposed as a potential site of one of the camps. As recently as July — when the contract was awarded — former Barron River LNP member Michael Trout was listed as the general manager on its website. His name has since been removed. Mr Trout has also been posting photos to social media of events held at the property. In October, he pleaded guilty to causing an affray after punching a 23-year-old Cairns woman at a Holloways Beach home in May 2024. He was sentenced to 60 hours of community service and no conviction was recorded. Donation records show the one-term MP has given almost $30,000 to the LNP since 2020. 'Outrageous' Shadow Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer called for the premier to be transparent about how the contract was awarded. "David Crisafulli said he would respect taxpayer money but has been shameless at giving his mates and donors cushy taxpayer-funded jobs, but this one just seems outrageous," she said. "The premier must explain how much Mr Trout will bank and what role he or his ministers played in this contract process." Questions were put to Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber about whether it was appropriate for the program to be run out of a facility Mr Trout was associated with. "The Department, who went through the procurement process, does not have a contract with Michael Trout, and the successful provider who is delivering a new regional reset program, also received funding under the former Labor government," Ms Gerber said. A department spokesperson said the procurement process was in line with government processes and "independent probity advice". They said it was the provider that suggested using Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre as an alternative site if the main location flooded. Multiple avenues were used to attempt to put questions to Mr Trout, who did not respond. Corporate records show the business is registered to his extended family members. Questions were also put to the Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre and the provider to whom the contract was awarded. [Image text:] MIINAI LAWY