State Labor ministers agree the party is struggling

Palaszczuk Government ministers have conceded Labor is struggling to sell its message to voters – but say the Jackie Trad integrity saga has nothing to do with it.

PALASZCZUK Government ministers have conceded Labor is struggling to sell its message to voters.

But they insist the shock Courier-Mail/YouGov poll results showing the LNP in an election winning position – 51 to 49 two-party preferred – has nothing to do with the integrity saga engulfing Deputy Premier Jackie Trad.

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Ms Trad is due to take over as acting Premier next week with the Crime and Corruption Commission yet to reveal whether or not it will investigate her over the purchase of an investment property in Woolloongabba in the Cross River Rail corridor.

Labor MPs insisted it was convention that Ms Trad take over unless the Premier decided otherwise. Picture: Mark Cranitch

Her colleagues were on message as they made their way into Cabinet in Townsville today ahead of this week’s regional parliament, insisting it was convention that Ms Trad take over unless the Premier decided otherwise.

“Jackie Trad is the Deputy Premier. It is entirely appropriate that she should be the acting Premier in the Premier’s absence, but they are not decisions for me they are decisions for the Premier,” Heath Minister Steven Miles said.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick dismissed questions on who would act as Premier if the CCC revealed it would investigate Ms Trad, forcing her to stand aside.

Mr Dick has filled in as acting Premier when both Ms Trad and Ms Palaszczuk have been out of the state.

“That is entirely hypothetical. We’ve got a team, I support the team. I support the Premier and the Deputy Premier,” he said.

Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad during the Queensland Labor State Conference in Brisbane, Sunday, August 25, 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

“I have been acting Premier previously but that is entirely a matter for the Premier.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Government could turn things around.

“As the Premier has said we are the underdogs going into the next State Election and we understand that. That’s why we are here in Townsville so we can meet with Queenslanders one-on-one,”

Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said the poll results showed the government needed to be focused the “long game”.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the polling showed “we’ve got work to do”.

He dismissed suggestions the saga involving Ms Trad’s investment property was hurting the government.

“Deb Frecklington is trying to throw as much mud as she can and hoping some sticks,” he said.