Robert Lindsay Poole (born 12 June 1948 in Loxton, South Australia) was a controversial Queensland Labor politician from 2001 until his resignation in early 2006.
In February 2006, Poole's extended absences from his electorate, because his wife and children live in Thailand, were widely publicised.
Beattie appointed the member for Ipswich West, Don Livingstone, to mind Poole's seat in his absence, only to find out that Livingstone had also been spending time in Thailand visiting Poole, his friend and business associate.
[2] On 25 February, Beattie ordered Poole to return from his latest trip by early April or a by-election would be called in Gaven.
[3] When Parliament resumed, Poole wrote to Beattie, resigning immediately as the member for Gaven on 28 February 2006.