Queensland state election 2024: Opposition leader David Crisafulli slammed for snubbing Gold Coast media

Opposition leader David Crisafulli has been accused of snubbing Gold Coasters and becoming “the invisible man” after a bizarre visit to the city.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli has been accused of snubbing Gold Coasters and becoming “the invisible man” after failing to invite local media to his major press appearance in the city.

The Bulletin was not alerted to an early morning media conference at Carrara on Sunday with neither the leader’s campaign team or any of the Coast MPs or candidates contacting the newspaper by email or phone.

Political sources later confirmed both the Suns and the LNP’s Labor opponents were aware at least 24 hours before that Mr Crisafulli would be making a major Coast announcement.

Mr Crisafulli announced financial support for the Gold Coast Suns AFL program and provided his 100-day Plan for Queensland’s Fresh Start. The travelling “media gallery” was present, but the Bulletin was sent media statements later.

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli is copping flack from Labor. Picture: Tertius Pickard

An LNP spokeswoman said the appearance as a “gallery only” press conference when contacted.

Later in the afternoon an LNP spokesman responded, saying “understandably, mistakes will happen throughout the campaign and this was one of them, if only we saw the same sort of accountability from the Labor Party for Queensland’s Youth Crime Crisis”.

“Despite Labor’s claims, the media conference was attended by a large media contingent including NewsCorp journalists and a photographer,” he said.

“The LNP chose to make one of its first election policy announcements from the Gold Coast, at Men of Business, when the LNP announced four Crime Prevention Schools to divert youth away from crime.

“The LNP has held more than a dozen media events on the Gold Coast during the election campaign to outline the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future which local media have all been invited to.”

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli is being slammed for snubbing local media. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick was scathing of Mr Crisafulli given several of his LNP MPs had failed to turn up to a Central Chamber of Commerce candidate debate last Thursday to face media scrutiny.

“David Crisafulli has turned his back on the Gold Coast when he secretly moved to inner Brisbane, and now he’s turned his back on Gold Coasters’ right to know about this plans,” Mr Dick said.

“Lazy LNP members on fat margins have taken the Gold Coast for granted while they’ve been in Opposition. Sunday’s behaviour shows the people of the Gold Coast that a David Crisafulli government would have nothing to offer them but cuts to infrastructure and jobs.”

The commitment by Mr Crisafulli to his Broadwater electorate has become an election issue after a Bulletin investigation last month revealed he had been living in inner-city Brisbane for a year, where he and his wife were planning to renovate a $1 million-plus home.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said Mr Crisafulli had again treated Gold Coasters with contempt.

“He’s gone from being a small target to the invisible man,” Ms Scanlon said.

“I was born and bred on the Gold Coast. I am a local and I have fought for the city and people in my electorate every single day. Local media plays an important role in holding politicians and stakeholders to account.

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli and Gaven candidate Bianca Stone during a visit to the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“Voters have to ask – what does David Crisafulli and the LNP have to hide. This is another example of the LNP taking the Gold Coast for granted.”

Mr Crisafulli, with Gaven candidate Bianca Stone, announced the LNP would expand the Suns’ training academy in Carrara, as part of its plan to deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy across Queensland.

The Academy has more than 1000 players and the LNP’s $2 million commitment would deliver upgrades to changerooms, gym, training and recovery equipment and meeting rooms.

“We want to encourage more kids into sport, and we know that these local clubs are the backbone of Queensland communities,” Ms Crisafulli said.

The 100-day plan details more than 40 actions a Crisafulli LNP Government would take in its first 100 days of office, with action on youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.

Meanwhile, Premier Steven Miles has announced, if elected later this month, Labor would pledge $4 million to help the AFL on the Coast.

He said the funding would include $4 million towards the Suns precinct expansion and the women’s academy, and $1 million for Carrara Saints and Mudgeeraba Nerang and Districts Cricket Club’s home ground at Alan Nielsen Park.

Since 2019 participation in AFL on the Coast has jumped 52 per cent while the Suns saw 26,157 members registered this season, the fifth consecutive year of creating record backing from fans.

“Gold Coasters love their AFL,” Mr Miles said.

“While the Lions may have taken home the premiership this year, this investment will help kick start a new dawn for AFL on the Gold Coast. Sport not only helps keep kids active, it also helps many young people stay on the right track by keeping them engaged.”

Ms Scanlon, the Gaven MP, said the Suns had made their debut in 2015 and since then AFL teams at every level had excelled.

“With this $4 million commitment the Suns will be able to expand their precinct and women’s game, while our Saints and local cricket club will be able to upgrade their facilities,” she said.