Former Qld MP’s child sex charges dropped

Robyn Wuth | March 16, 2022

Dozens of historical child sex charges against a former Queensland government minister have been quietly dropped before trial.

Trevor John Perrett, who was minister for primary industries, fisheries and forestry in the Borbidge Coalition government from 1996 to 1998, was charged with indecent dealing and rape in March 2021. 

Police alleged the indecent treatment of girls under 16 took place over a two-year period in several towns across the state.

In July last year, the 80-year-old former minister was committed to stand trial on a total of 25 child sex charges. 

The offences included eight counts of indecent treatment of girls under 16, another 16 offences of indecent treatment of girls under 17 and one count of rape. 

It was alleged the offences were committed between December 31, 1974, and January 1, 1977.

Lawyers for Perrett at the time said the former minister indicated he would contest the charges.

However, the charges were dropped on December 9 at a mention in the District Court as authorities determined not to proceed. 

A Brisbane court spokesperson told AAP that prosecutors had indicated there was a “no true bill” and there were no current charges outstanding. 

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has been contacted for comment. 

Mr Perrett represented the former South Burnett-based electorate of Barambah for the National Party between 1988 and 1998.

His son Tony Perrett is a sitting opposition MP in state parliament, representing the electorate of Gympie for the Liberal National Party.