This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

George Brandis Lays Into LNP In Embarrassing Hot Mic Hot Take

Well that was awkward.
George Brandis has been caught out slagging the Queensland Liberal National Party as 'very, very mediocre.'
Sky News
George Brandis has been caught out slagging the Queensland Liberal National Party as 'very, very mediocre.'

A spike in the vote for One Nation is "alarming" and Queensland's State Liberal National Party is mediocre, attorney-general George Brandis says.

The nation's top law officer made the comments while being caught on a 'hot mic' on Monday, sharing his opinion of the sunshine state's politics and opposition leader Tim Nicholls' performance with Liberal Party power broker Michael Kroger in Ballarat on Monday.

Attorney-General George Brandis says Qld LNP 'very very mediocre' #auspol READ MORE: https://t.co/GpYEiMtdtVhttps://t.co/b6sx5tzS70

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 21, 2016

"Well, they're not very good and... I'd say the state opposition is very, very mediocre and the state government is very, very mediocre," Brandis said in response to a question about the LNP's performance.

"But the thing that's alarming everyone is, as you'd expect, the sudden spike in One Nation, which is now at about 16 per cent. And One Nation as you know, their strength is in heartland National Party seats and heartland Labor Party seats, the old industrial seats around Ipswich and Brisbane.

"I think there is every reason to believe they will win quite a few seats at the (next state election.)"

Comment has been sought from the Attorney Generals' office.

Senator Brandis has been under fire since the resignation last month of solicitor-general Justin Gleeson following a breakdown in the pair's working relationship.

One Nation unexpectedly won four senate seats at the most recent Federal Election. Queensland is next due for a state election in late 2017 or early 2018.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton was forced to apologise in late 2015 when he was caught on microphone joking about rising sea levels and climate change with Tony Abbott.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.