Campbell Newman’s legacy tarnished by move to extremist fringe that is the Liberal Democrats

It’s a shame former premier Campbell Newman’s legacy will be tarnished by his move to the extremist fringe and his almost certain defeat, writes Paul Williams.

Love him or loathe him, most would agree Campbell Newman could hold his head up high as a conviction politician when he left the public stage in early 2015.

As Brisbane Lord Mayor (2004-11), Newman – an army engineer and businessman – was widely praised for a hands-on “can do” approach to civic repair. As Queensland premier (2012-15), he met far more opposition for his military-style leadership and asset privatisation policy but, even so, his energy won respect from all sides.

Ultimately, his is a mixed legacy – some successes and many failures – but his place in LNP (and Liberal party) politics was at least secure. Not too many leaders can claim Australia’s largest-ever parliamentary majority, or an attempt at sweeping economic reform in a risk-averse environment.

Campbell Newman announces his candidacy for the Senate on a Liberal Democrats ticket. Picture: Steve Pohlner

That’s why, for many, he remained something of a hero. After all, Australians have a soft spot for those who tried and failed.

But Newman’s legacy is now in peril.

After resigning his LNP membership, Newman has now announced his candidacy for the Senate on a Liberal-Democrat (LDP) ticket – a party once led by the irascible Senator David Leyonhjelm.

Sadly for Liberals everywhere, Newman has abandoned the party that succoured his – and his parents’ – career. Worse, he has now joined the extremist fringe where he’ll keep company with the likes of Pauline Hanson, Mark Latham, Clive Palmer and other political rejects.

Newman’s gripe? He doesn’t like the “illiberal” position taken by the Morrison Government that has so sensibly kept Australia safe with border closures, and economically viable with stimulus packages.

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman. Picture: Annette Dew

The LDP, of course, believes government is something to be feared. And during a pandemic, it’s worth noting the party’s health policy to “abolish government funding of health research” while insisting individuals “manage their own health”. Goodbye Medicare and Queensland’s free hospital system.

Newman’s legacy will be further tarnished by his almost certain defeat – probably beaten for the sixth spot by Pauline Hanson – as Newman splits the right-wing fringe. After all, in 2019 the LDP in Queensland scored just 0.45 per cent in the House of Representatives, and just 0.83 per cent in the Senate – fewer votes than the Democratic Labour Party that, 30 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, still warns us of the dangers of communism.

Campbell Newman has been a polarising but laudable figure in Queensland politics for almost 20 years.

What a shame that reputation ends in such absurdity.

Originally published as Campbell Newman’s legacy tarnished by move to extremist fringe that is the Liberal Democrats