Jackie Trad says no talks yet on how Labor will preference former LNP MP Jason Costigan

Jackie Trad won’t reveal where she thinks Labor should place maverick former LNP MP Jason Costigan on how-to-vote cards, saying there are more important things to focus on at the moment.

MAVERICK former LNP MP Jason Costigan now knows who his former party will run against him at the October 31 election but it could be a while yet before he learns how Labor will preference him in the marginal seat.

Maverick former LNP MP Jason Costigan. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad – one of Mr Costigan’s most vocal critics – this morning declined to say where she thought he should be placed on her party’s how-to-vote cards.

She said those conversations were yet to happen.

“If One Nation runs in that seat, the Labor Party has a longstanding policy of putting One Nation last,” Ms Trad said.

“I’m not part of these conversations.

“The election is just under a year away and right now I am focused on our economy, I am focused on supporting the Premier as we deal with these bushfires.

“I’m not interested in party preferences at this stage.”

The LNP last week announced Mackay deputy mayor Amanda Camm would be its candidate to challenge Mr Costigan in the North Queensland seat.

Mr Costigan was expelled from the LNP in February.

He has since started his own political party North Queensland First.

He holds the Whitsunday electorate with a margin of 0.7 per cent.