Prison past counts against flood hero

Water and mud is removed from a street gutter in Queensland. Photo / Getty Images

A convicted rapist who volunteered during the floods and was nominated for a disaster hero award was snubbed after the Queensland Government learned about his criminal history.

Bob Riddler was convicted of rape in 1997 and armed robbery in 1999 and spent 12 years in jail. He was released last year.

Riddler was nominated for the award after helping at a church west of Brisbane during the January floods.

Late last month, Riddler received a letter from Premier Anna Bligh.

"You have demonstrated amazing community spirit during these tough times and we couldn't have continued on the road to recovery without your tireless efforts," Bligh wrote. I would then like to invite you to attend a very special Queensland Disaster Heroes ceremony."

Four days later, the Premier's Department director general Ken Smith wrote to him to say he was uninvited. "It has now come to my attention that you have a serious criminal history," he said. "After discussing this matter with the Premier, I have decided that it would be inappropriate for you to accept this award ..."

Riddler said he was trying to turn his life around.

"I bought a van just before the floods and I've done 20,000km in five months; cleaning houses, removing rubbish."

He said he deserved a second chance. "I made a mistake; I'm not trying to hide it but I keep being made to pay for it."

In March, Corrective Services ordered Riddler to cease his volunteer work.

- AAP