Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes aim at 'the other fellow' Steven Miles

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at suggestions he is Queensland to hold Deb Frecklington’s hand during the election campaign, branding the quip “fairly offensive”. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at suggestions he is Queensland to hold Deb Frecklington’s hand during the election campaign, branding the quip “fairly offensive”.

 

He also took aim at Deputy Premier Steven Miles, calling him “the other fellow, I can’t remember his name”.

Mr Morrison was in Townsville, where three of Queensland’s most marginal state electorates are located, touring a local helicopter company and spruiking the Federal Government’s budget including funding for the Copperstring 2.0 project.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday, when asked why Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese had not yet made an appearance on the hustings, said she wasn’t relying on his support.

“If Anthony Albanese wants to come, I'm more than happy to have him here,” she said.

 

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“If he wants to come, I'm more than happy but I don't need someone to hold my hand for a week.”

Asked if he was holding Ms Frecklington’s hand for the campaign by coming to Queensland, Mr Morrison said that was a “fairly offensive thing to say”.

“Politics is not a game,” he said.

“And I am bit disappointed in the way that, now I see the Premier’s chipping, and the other fellow, I can’t remember his name… treating this like it’s some sort of game.”

 

Updates

4:19 pm October 14, 2020

PM defends LNP's 'ambitious' economic plan

John Farmer

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the Queensland LNP’s plan to achieve a budget surplus in four years, saying it was “important to be ambitious”.

This despite Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, in a speech to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in September, saying it would be “damaging to the economy and unrealistic to target surpluses over the forward estimates”.

Mr Morrison, who was in Townsville campaigning with Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington, said it was “important to be ambitious” and “keen on fiscal responsibility” before taking a swipe at the Queensland Government’s current budget position.

“There's no doubt that Deb inherits, if she's to be elected Premier in this state, a pretty shocking set of books. There's no doubt about that she certainly would have to with (Opposition Treasury spokesman Tim Mander), start from well behind the line.

“I mean, when Queensland went into this, their books weren't as good as the other states and territories in so many cases.”

His comments come as outgoing Federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann last week questioned the wisdom of Western Australia’s government handing down a budget surplus in the middle of a global economic downturn.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick hit back at the Prime Minister, saying the Palaszczuk Government delivered five budget surpluses in a row.

"It's extraordinary frankly coming from the Prime Minister who's now delivering ten years of deficits, who tripled federal government debt before COVID and is now blasting through the trillion dollar barrier to deliver $1.7 trillion in debt in the future," he said.

Mr Dick claimed the LNP's surplus commitment would be an "amble of austerity".

– Madura McCormack, Jack McKay

3:45 am February 8, 2025

Whether or not Queensland opens its border to NSW as scheduled in light of a batch of new locally acquired coronavirus cases is a matter for the state government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said, but he warned the decision should be “transparent” and without “double standards”.

New South Wales recorded 11 locally acquired cases of coronavirus overnight, more than Victoria.

Queensland’s border is scheduled to open to NSW on November 1 but is dependent on NSW recording zero locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

Mr Morrison, who was in Townsville campaigning with Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington on day 9 of the election campaign, said the federal government had “never said” Queensland should take their border down.

“We've never actually said that we've just said that if you go to have one that has to be clear why it's there and, and you've got to run it in a way that's fair,” he said.

“(Opening the border is) a decision that's going to have to be made by the Queensland Government based on the medical advice, and the medical advice has to be transparent and, and it should be very clear and  there shouldn't be double standards in terms of how these things are put in place.

“I understand that Queenslanders would like the fact that there's a buffer and there's a protection when it comes to this virus, I get that but at some time, when it's safe to do so, you have to be able to lift (the border).

“You've got to acknowledge the cost that (border closure) imposes, and the cost particularly to the tourism and hospitality industry here in Queensland.”

– Madura McCormack

4:17 pm October 14, 2020

Border reopening must be transparent: PM

John Farmer

Whether or not Queensland opens its border to NSW as scheduled in light of a batch of new locally acquired coronavirus cases is a matter for the state government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said, but he warned the decision should be “transparent” and without “double standards”.

New South Wales recorded 11 locally acquired cases of coronavirus overnight, more than Victoria.

Queensland’s border is scheduled to open to NSW on November 1 but is dependent on NSW recording zero locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

Mr Morrison, who was in Townsville campaigning with Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington on day 9 of the election campaign, said the federal government had “never said” Queensland should take their border down.

“We've never actually said that we've just said that if you go to have one that has to be clear why it's there and, and you've got to run it in a way that's fair,” he said.

“(Opening the border is) a decision that's going to have to be made by the Queensland Government based on the medical advice, and the medical advice has to be transparent and, and it should be very clear and  there shouldn't be double standards in terms of how these things are put in place.

“I understand that Queenslanders would like the fact that there's a buffer and there's a protection when it comes to this virus, I get that but at some time, when it's safe to do so, you have to be able to lift (the border).

“You've got to acknowledge the cost that (border closure) imposes, and the cost particularly to the tourism and hospitality industry here in Queensland.”

– Madura McCormack

4:08 pm October 14, 2020

Premier welcomes CCC's warning to candidates

John Farmer

Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed a warning from Queensland’s corruption watchdog that it will be watching every candidate amid a “blurring” of the lines between government and the private sector.

As the Premier toured an oil refinery in the electorate of Gladstone today, she urged everyone to listen to what Crime and Corruption Commission Chair Alan MacSporran had to say.

The CCC boss revealed in an open letter on Tuesday that the watchdog would be actively monitoring political donations and closely watching the activities and associations of consultants, influencers and lobbyists.

“I think all candidates need to be aware of their obligations,” Ms Palaszczuk said today.

“When you’re running for high office, you have to … adopt high standards.

“I welcome what Alan has said.

“He’s sent that out to all candidates and I think everybody should be listening to what the Chair of the CCC has to say.”

Ms Palaszczuk insisted there were already “very strict” lobbying laws in Queensland, but dodged questions about the role that lobbyist Evan Moorhead was playing in her campaign.

Mr Moorhead, a former Labor state secretary who also worked in Ms Palaszczuk's office as her strategy chief, works as a lobbyist in the private sector but is also working for Labor this campaign to provide advice to head office.

“The state secretary is running the campaign from party office,” Ms Palaszczuk said when asked about Mr Moorhead's role.

“You’d have to ask her that.”

Ms Palaszczuk had earlier said there was a lobbyist code of conduct that had to be followed.

In his letter, Mr MacSporran said the CCC’s intelligence assessment indicated that the lines between government and private sector were “blurring”.

– Jack McKay

3:45 am February 8, 2025

Industry linked school training facilities would be built and upgraded across Queensland, under a $45 million plan from Labor to create jobs in emerging sectors of the economy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 26 schools would benefit from the program if Labor is re-elected on October 31, with construction of the projects to create 150 jobs.

The targeted industries include hydrogen, agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, defence maintenance as well as aviation and aerospace.

“This is a gateway to industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This is a pathway for students to get the skills that they need in the industries that are relevant in their regions.

“It means jobs for our young people, it means jobs for Queenslanders and it means jobs for regional Queensland.”

The projects include a $2.25 million upgrade to the trade training centre at Glenala State High School in Ms Palaszczuk’s Inala electorate and $1.2 million to refurbish the science lab at Thuringowa State High School in a marginal Townsville-based seat.

“Everyone of these investments will boost schools’ capacity to prepare students for the jobs of the future,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Meanwhile, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has claimed the LNP’s plan to scrap the luxury car tax would cost the state’s budget $100m over the next four years.

The LNP unveiled the pledge yesterday, saying the removal of the so-called “grey-nomad tax” would save Queenslanders about $2,300 when they buy a motorhome.

Mr Dick today claimed the LNP would have to sack more than 200 workers to pay for the commitment.

“Because cutting is the only path they have left themselves to pay for anything,” he said.

“The LNP keep adding to the list of cuts they’ll have to make to achieve their surplus.”

Ms Palaszczuk spent day nine of the election campaign visiting the Northern Oil Refinery in the electorate of Gladstone, held by her Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher with a margin of 20.7 per cent.

Ms Palaszczuk would not say today what her government’s post-COVID unemployment target was for Queensland, as she touted her tough border measures.

“Those states that actually put in strict border controls and measures … those economies have been able to come back faster,” she said.

“In other parts of the world, industries are shut down. No one is working. You can’t work if you’re sick.”

Asked if she could set a target, Ms Palaszczuk would not say.

“We’re going though a global pandemic,” the Premier said.

“From when we were elected, before we had the pandemic, we had grown 250,000 jobs in this state.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted to see Queensland’s current seasonably adjusted unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent go down.

– Jack McKay

12:43 pm October 14, 2020

Labor's $45m pledge to build training facilities

John Farmer

Industry linked school training facilities would be built and upgraded across Queensland, under a $45 million plan from Labor to create jobs in emerging sectors of the economy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 26 schools would benefit from the program if Labor is re-elected on October 31, with construction of the projects to create 150 jobs.

The targeted industries include hydrogen, agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, defence maintenance as well as aviation and aerospace.

“This is a gateway to industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This is a pathway for students to get the skills that they need in the industries that are relevant in their regions.

“It means jobs for our young people, it means jobs for Queenslanders and it means jobs for regional Queensland.”

The projects include a $2.25 million upgrade to the trade training centre at Glenala State High School in Ms Palaszczuk’s Inala electorate and $1.2 million to refurbish the science lab at Thuringowa State High School in a marginal Townsville-based seat.

“Everyone of these investments will boost schools’ capacity to prepare students for the jobs of the future,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Meanwhile, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has claimed the LNP’s plan to scrap the luxury car tax would cost the state’s budget $100m over the next four years.

The LNP unveiled the pledge yesterday, saying the removal of the so-called “grey-nomad tax” would save Queenslanders about $2,300 when they buy a motorhome.

Mr Dick today claimed the LNP would have to sack more than 200 workers to pay for the commitment.

“Because cutting is the only path they have left themselves to pay for anything,” he said.

“The LNP keep adding to the list of cuts they’ll have to make to achieve their surplus.”

Ms Palaszczuk spent day nine of the election campaign visiting the Northern Oil Refinery in the electorate of Gladstone, held by her Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher with a margin of 20.7 per cent.

Ms Palaszczuk would not say today what her government’s post-COVID unemployment target was for Queensland, as she touted her tough border measures.

“Those states that actually put in strict border controls and measures … those economies have been able to come back faster,” she said.

“In other parts of the world, industries are shut down. No one is working. You can’t work if you’re sick.”

Asked if she could set a target, Ms Palaszczuk would not say.

“We’re going though a global pandemic,” the Premier said.

“From when we were elected, before we had the pandemic, we had grown 250,000 jobs in this state.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted to see Queensland’s current seasonably adjusted unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent go down.

– Jack McKay

11:30 am October 14, 2020

Democracy sausages back on the agenda

Caitlin Smith

Love them or hate them, there’s no denying the huge role the sausage sizzle plays on the Australian democratic landscape.

And with the first major state heading to an election in the coronavirus world in less than three weeks, many were sweating over the legality of the famed BBQ.

But the Electoral Commission of Queensland has confirmed the fundraising sizzle will go ahead after being banned during the state’s council election in March.

“Fortunately, we are in a much better place now,” commissioner Pat Vidgen said.

“However, the onus is on the fundraising organisers and volunteers to ensure they are following the relevant COVID-19 guidelines.

“The ECQ has developed an Election Service Plan that details how voting venues remain COVID-safe and ensures electors can move through the voting process easily and safely.

“This means any fundraising activities must provide clear access for electors to and from the voting venue, and practice social distancing, good hand hygiene and regular cleaning.”

The state’s chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young, also gave the go-ahead for the iconic sizzle but delivered a warning for those hosting fundraisers.

“As always, if you’re sick, stay home,” she said.

“Take your voter information card with you, and your own pen or pencil.

“Remember to social distance, think two big steps apart from other people, and leave the venue right after voting.

– James Hall

10:26 am October 14, 2020

'It's Labor who have kept the CCC busy this term'

Caitlin Smith

Deb Frecklington has shrugged off a question over CCC chair Alan MacSporran's extraordinary foray into the political campaign.

Asked about Mr MacSporran's open letter to all candidates warning them he is watching for corruption risks amid a blurring of the lines between governments and influences, Ms Frecklington redirected.
“I think who should be worried is the Labor party, given it’s been Labor who have kept the CCC extremely busy this term,” she said.

Ms Frecklington yesterday defended a series of fundraisers she attended with developers, who are not allowed to donate in Queensland.

She said none of the banned donors paid to attend or made any donations.

– Jessica Marszalek

10:13 am October 14, 2020

LNP accuses Labor of abandoning resources sector

Caitlin Smith

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has accused Labor of abandoning Mackay’s dominant resources sector and alluded to comments made by former Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, who said miners would need to re-skill to find work.

“I can tell you right now, when the Labor party come into Mackay and say that resource workers have to reskill, they’ve let down the Mackay region,” she said. “Mackay is a resources town.”

The LNP hopes to capture some of the support for the Coalition at last year’s federal election that was driven by anti-Labor sentiment in Queensland’s mining regions.

“The LNP backs the resources industry,” she said.

“The LNP has already announced that we’re going to supercharge the Galilee Basin. There are $50m worth of projects sitting in the Galilee Basin that are ready, willing and able to go. They just need a government that gets the resources industry.”

– Charlie Peel

9:56 am October 14, 2020

LNP announces $50m cyclone-proofing reno fund

Caitlin Smith

Homeowners along Queensland’s cyclone-prone coastline would be eligible for a $15,000 grant to increase the storm resistance of their properties under a Liberal National Party government.

Deb Frecklington announced the $50m policy on the border of the Mackay (Labor, 8.3 per cent) and Whitsunday (notionally LNP, 0.7 per cent) electorates.

Candidate Amanda Camm is hoping to win the marginal seat back for the LNP after it turned independent when Jason Costigan was dumped from the party.

Mr Costigan is contesting the election under the banner of his North Queensland First party.

The grants are part of the LNP’s Tradie Boost scheme and would apply to coastal homeowners from Bundaberg to Thursday Island.

Ms Frecklington said the program would deliver jobs, lower insurance premiums and increase the resilience of cities and towns along the coast.

“It is important that we make Queenslanders safe in their homes,” she said.

“It is important that we get tradies back to work and it is important that we do something about the insurance premiums that people in north Queensland are sick to death of.”

– Charlie Peel