GLADSTONE Ports Corporation has issued a statement denying it had sacked a contractor for bailing up Opposition leader Bill Shorten.

The worker, understood to have earned $250,000 last financial year, was filmed asking Mr Shorten about tax relief for higher incomes earners, triggering a political ruckus in the election campaign.

Mr Shorten was campaigning in Gladstone at the time.

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Newspaper reports suggested the man had been sacked, however GPC denied this.

“Gladstone Ports Corporation did not suspend a port worker or terminate their contract for talking to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, as has been suggested by media commentators,” the statement read.

“The port worker, a sub-contractor, is still employed by the contractor and carrying out work for their employer.

“GPC did not instruct any employees or contractors to attend the visit.”

GPC said the worker was a sub-contractor and as such GPC could not comment on any decisions made by their employers.

The Federal Election is this Saturday.