A political candidate in Australia has linked gay and lesbian people with pedophiles.

'Pedophiles will be next in line to be recognized in the same way as gays and lesbians and get rights,' said Tess Corbett in an interview with local newspaper The Hamilton Spectator, The Age reports.

'I don't want gays, lesbians to be working in my kindergarten,' Corbett continued, who represents right-wing Katter's Australian Party in Wannon, a rural area in the state of Victoria.

Corbett is challenging Liberal party MP Dan Tehan for a seat in parliament in the federal election, which must be called before 30 November this year.

'These comments are deplorable,' said Tehan. 'They are bigoted and must be condemned.'

Katter's Australian Party was accused of homophobia last March for airing a TV advert in Queensland that linked Campbell Newman, who was canvasing for election as state premier at the time, with supporting gay marriage.

The party is headed by Bob Katter whose half-brother Carl Katter is gay and represents the state of Victoria for Australian Marriage Equality.

When contacted by Fairfax media about Corbett's comments Bob Katter said her statement was 'stupid' and 'the party is not interested in that, it never has been, never will be'.