Labor candidate Maurie Soars filmed threatening to ‘take out’ LNP volunteer

Bleijie did not table the video in parliament, but a copy was later obtained by this masthead.

In the vision, Soars is heard calling an LNP volunteer a “wanker” over an apparent dispute about a chair at the booth.

“Because I am actually 68 years of age and should have a chance to sit down,” he said, to which the LNP volunteer tells him to “calm down”.

Soars: “You calm down because I’m going to take you out.”

LNP volunteer: “You’re going to take me out – is that a threat?”

Soars: “No, it’s a promise.”

In a statement, Soars said he regretted his actions, but sought to provide more context around the altercation.

“I don’t recall saying that, and I’m shocked and ashamed of what I saw in that video,” he said.

“That young fella from Brisbane had been filming people and baiting me all morning.

“He’s been a real menace to everyone at the booth.

“He had just stepped on my foot and wouldn’t get out of my space, but I should not have taken the bait.”

At last year’s state election, Labor received just 14 per cent of the primary vote in Hinchinbrook, which takes in some of Townsville’s northern suburbs and the town of Ingham.

It was vacated by former Katter’s Australian Party member Nick Dametto, who resigned to run for Townsville mayor, an ultimately successful campaign.