A QUEENSLAND Labor backbencher has used parliamentary privilege to brand indigenous leader Noel Pearson a ``fly-in, fly-out'' Aboriginal leader, in an extraordinary counter-attack over his opposition to the state's wild rivers preservation law.

Pine Rivers MP Carolyn Male yesterday accused Mr Pearson of having a vested interest in opposing wild rivers protection in far north Queensland.

``Rather than being a traditional owner or an Aboriginal leader looking out for the best interests of all Aboriginal peoples, he has become a fly-in, fly-out leader -- a bit like (Liberal National Party leader) Campbell Newman,'' she told state parliament.

``Someone more interested in what he can extract for his family and friends and someone who does not care about the long-term effects of this grab-and-run policy.''