The LNP and cuts – but not the ones the Labor Party claims

On the election trail on Thursday morning it wasn’t health funding or public services on the chopping block — it was poor journalist Andrew Messenger’s scalp.

Ros Bates Shadow Minister for Health and Ambulance Services medically assisting journalist Andrew Messenger. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The LNP and cuts – but not the ones the Labor Party claims.

It wasn’t health funding or public services on the chopping block — it was poor journalist Andrew Messenger’s scalp.

In an ironic twist, the Guardian journo bumped into an awning as he was entering a medical practice in Emu Park in Rockhampton for an LNP press conference about health funding.

It left him with a cut on the top of his head that required immediate medical attention.

Ros Bates and a nurse with journalist Andrew Messenger who split his head open on his way to a media conference. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Who better to come to the rescue than none other than registered nurse Ros Bates?

The LNP’s health spokeswoman, always quick to remind everyone she’s a registered nurse, agreed to take a look at Messenger post-press conference.

Just after she donned blue gloves, however, she realised she was not allowed to treat the young scribe and had to call in a fellow nurse to assess the situation.

“You can be the real nurse,” she said.

The result? A bit of excess blood was wiped away, a nurse’s seal of approval, and a missed opportunity for Ms Bates to handle the hands-on stuff.

To be fair, she was ready to whip out the sutures if needed — Messenger dodged that particular cut by a hair.

Let’s hope Opposition Leader David Crisafulli’s next campaign stop doesn’t involve any more low-hanging awnings, or we might need to start sending helmets to the press gallery.

Dr Mick Donoghue talking with the Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli and Ros Bates Shadow Minister for Health and Ambulance Services at The Family Practice Emu Park. Picture: Liam Kidston.