Robbie Katter on crime policy, Labor’s free lunches and LNP’s Michael Pugh attack ad

Leader of the KAP Robbie Katter has called out the LNP for “making idiots out of themselves” following their attack ad on KAP candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh.

KAP candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh and KAP leader Robbie Katter speak at PCYC Aitkenvale.

Leader of the KAP Robbie Katter has called out the LNP for “making idiots out of themselves” following their attack ad on KAP candidate for Mundingburra Michael Pugh.

Speaking at the PCYC Aitkenvale early voting booth on Tuesday morning Mr Katter said it was “disappointing” to see in the last week of the election, saying Mr Pugh had redeemed himself in the community.

“He made some bad decisions 20 years ago and as far as we are concerned he’s crossed the threshold of redemption,” Mr Katter said.

“Plenty of people can do something wrong in their past, but if they show there is a better way to live and they involve themselves in the community, that’s the starting point.”

Also calling on the LNP to adopt KAP’s Castle Law policy, Mr Katter said it was “flattering” the LNP had followed suit with their crime policies on Bush Sentencing and removing detention as a last resort.

Mr Katter expressed his concern, after Deputy Leader Nick Dametto previously stated the KAP would preference the LNP over Labor and accused the LNP of “copying their policies”.

“It’s a bit disingenuous that they leave it to two weeks out from the election, when this crime problem has existed here for many years,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty to offer because they have been copying off our homework on the crime policy and that’s fine, we are happy to lead, but we don’t try and tear our people down at the same time when we are trying to have a go at helping them govern properly in this state.”

On the highly influential seats to watch of Mundingburra, Townsville and Thuringowa, Mr Katter said he was “extremely confident” in the candidates running, saying the support has been “unprecedented”.

“I don’t think we’ve had this much booth worker turnout, support, on ground support, ever,” he said.

“I think it’s unprecedented with these candidates, which I think is a reflection on their ability and their character, their work ethic and the stature they have in the community.”

“I am envious of the feedback they get in the community.”

Giving his opinion on Premier Steven Miles’ election promise of free lunches for every child attending a Queensland state school, Mr Katter said this was something some regional schools have already had to do for years.

“There are already a number of schools in Mount Isa that do free lunches and breakfasts out of necessity,” he said.

“It’s a desperate grasp to retain some seats in Brisbane, nothing much more than that. Labor has really thrown the kitchen sink and is being fairly irresponsible with the way they are throwing money around and promises before the election.”

Originally published as Robbie Katter on crime policy, Labor’s free lunches and LNP’s Michael Pugh attack ad