Campbell Newman resisting pressure to release up-to-date version of financial interests

CAMPBELL Newman is resisting pressure to release an up-to-date version of his financial interests, claiming he is receiving unfair treatment.

Campbell and Lisa Newman

CAMPBELL Newman is resisting renewed pressure to release an up-to-date version of his financial interests, claiming he was being singled out for unfair treatment.

While pocketing an undisclosed amount from the LNP in his role as leader, Mr Newman yesterday said there was no legal requirement for him to make such a financial declaration.

The Government has doggedly pursued Mr Newman over the issue, insisting he should complete the forms required of all MPs, given he was effectively in charge of the Opposition.

Revelations this week that Mr Newman's wife Lisa and brother-in-law Seb Monsour set up a technology company to seek flood recovery work only served to heighten the Government's calls.

Mr Newman had previously insisted his wife wasn't involved in their finances, however her role in her own wealthy family's affairs has sparked new questions.

Australian Party MP Aidan McLindon yesterday added his voice to the calls for Mr Newman to make a declaration, saying the LNP leader currently looks like he has something to hide.

"If that is what he is doing in opposition, just imagine what he is going to be like in government," he said.

However, Mr Newman again refused to complete the forms, saying he wasn't a "decision maker" despite his role directing MPs on how to vote and setting LNP policy.

He claimed he was being asked to release his family's affairs when the forms filled out by state MPs only require them to detail what they know of their spouse's interests.

"(Premier Anna Bligh's husband) Greg Withers could have a share portfolio that isn't declared as long as he doesn't tell Anna about it," Mr Newman said.

But the forms completed by MPs specifically state they "must declare the interests of themselves and related persons, including company roles and all sources of income above $500 per annum".

Mr Newman said his wife's desk in his council office was irrelevant to her role in Monsour family business. And the only occasion Monsour family business intersected during his time at Brisbane City Council he ensured his office was not involved, he said.

"My wife raised more than $4 million for charity while I was in council. And these filthy, disgusting grubs continue to throw mud at her," he said.