Longman by-election result: Bill Shorten rubs salt into Malcolm Turnbull’s wounds

BILL Shorten has branded Malcolm Turnbull a “finger pointer” who does not listen to people, as he predicted Labor would build on its success in yesterday’s by-elections.

BILL Shorten has branded Malcolm Turnbull a “finger pointer” who does not listen to people, as he predicted Labor would build on its success in yesterday’s by-elections.

In an apparent reference to Mr Turnbull’s confrontation with a pensioner on the eve of the Liberal National Party’s drubbing in the Longman by-election, Mr Shorten said the Prime Minister was out of touch with the public.

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten and Member Elect, Susan Lamb at Stelle Rosa Cafe, Narangba. Picture: Liam Kidston

“This fellow Turnbull is Australia’s number one finger pointer,” Mr Shorten said.

“Well maybe what he needs to do is look in the mirror when he does it.”

During a visit to Narangba with triumphant Labor candidate Susan Lamb, Mr Shorten said the Longman by-election result was a sign that voters were not happy with the government’s approach on issues including company tax cuts.

He said Labor won because it had a better message on healthcare, education, aged care and jobs.

“If Mr Turnbull just thinks that’s all a fairytale, if he thinks that everything is fine, that he’s just going to keep offering more of the same, then I think he will pay an electoral price for it,” he said.