Nuttall sentence may go to vote
QUEENSLAND'S 89 parliamentarians could be given a conscience vote to decide whether corrupt former minister Gordon Nuttall should stay in jail indefinitely.
The MPs could order the disgraced Labor minister remain in jail until he pays an $82,000 state parliament-imposed fine.
But Nuttall, who is already serving 14 years in jail for corruption, perjury and receiving secret payments from businessmen, claims he does not have the funds.
Premier Campbell Newman said on Monday if the fine remained unpaid when it was raised before parliament later this week then there would most likely be a conscience vote.
"Let's hope he meets his obligations, it was a sentence imposed by the former parliament and he should comply," he said.
"I will wait and see what happens on the issue over the next few days.
"When it comes to a matter like this I am one of 89 parliamentarians and I'll respect the democratic processes of the house."
