The Advertiser reported in late 2005 of Brindal's homosexual affair with a 24-year-old man, who was alleged to have a "mental incapacity", occurring in Brindal's electoral office several times − after allegations of a blackmail by the man's previous foster carer, the then Liberal leader Rob Kerin was subsequently promptly interviewed by members of the anti-corruption branch. Brindal did not contest Liberal preselection for Unley ahead of the 2006 election, but gained Liberal preselection for the marginal Labor seat of Adelaide, however he stepped down from Liberal preselection in Adelaide following the revelations of late 2005 and did not contest the election.