Letters show Frydenberg ‘caught in a lie’ over Qld’s request for Defence Force border support, Miles claims

Queensland’s Deputy Premier has called out the Federal Treasurer for lying as he demands an apology and an end to the “political war”.

A war of words has broken out between the Queensland’s Deputy Premier and the Federal Treasurer, in which both are accusing the other of lying about the state’s request for additional ADF support.

Steven Miles has on Thursday morning released correspondence in which he says prove that Josh Frydenberg is “lying” about Queensland failing to request an extension of ADF support at the borders.

Mr Miles is now demanding Mr Frydenberg apologise for furthering an ongoing “war on the border restrictions”.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been accused of lying over Queensland’s request for additional ADF support. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

According to Mr Miles, Mr Frydenberg on Thursday morning said the Queensland Government had not asked for additional ADF support, claiming the Deputy Premier was lying.

Speaking on 4BC, Mr Frydenberg was asked whether the Federal Government had “deliberately pulled the Australian Defence Force off (Queensland’s) borders to try and damage their border policy.”

In response, Mr Frydenberg said “that sounds like rubbish.”

“I mean, seriously, we have used the Defence Force to support the states at every opportunity … We’ve deployed them in multiple states to help the states deal with whether it’s the quarantine issues, whether it’s testing and tracing, whether it’s logistics,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“Just like during the bush fires, our Defence Force have done a remarkable job to help the community through a crisis.”

A letter from Queensland Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski to ADF Lieutenant Corporal asks for an extension of military support at Queensland's border.

In response to Mr Frydenberg’s “conjecture”, Mr Miles distributed correspondence between the Deputy Commissioner and the Lieutenant General where Steve Gollschewski “explicitly asked” the ADF to ensure “adequate resources” and support to continue at the state’s borders until October 19.

A letter of reply from Lieut. Gen John Frewen explains ADF support will be pulled from Qld as previously discussed.

Mr Miles said the army had written back to say “ADF support to Queensland border operations will conclude on September 30 as previously advised.”

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles is demanding Josh Frydenberg apologise for calling him a liar. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

A letter from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to Prime Minister Scott Morrison made it “clear we would support the army’s ongoing support,” Mr Miles said.

Ms Palaszczuk confirmed on Thursday morning she had not received a response.

“In the time of a global pandemic, it would have been wonderful to see even more co-operation with the Federal Government,” she said.

“I believe the co-operation shown at the border between Queensland Police and the ADF has been first class.

“It’s very disappointing.”

A letter from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for more ADF support at the border.

Mr Miles said he wanted Mr Frydenberg to apologise.

“This is yet another example of a federal government minister being sent out by the Prime Minister to attack our government in the local media here in Queensland being caught out in a lie,” he said.

“Josh Frydenberg should apologise for the statements he made.

“It’s time for the Federal Government to stop using the ADF – which is for all Australians – as a bargaining chip in their war against our restrictions.”

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton also lashed out at Mr Miles, saying that he was playing student politics and the way he was acting was not becoming of a state treasurer.

“It's like watching a juvenile go out there on a university campus and engage in university politics,” Mr Dutton said.

“He is supposed to be the health minister and the deputy premier of this state and he’s acting like a small child and his allegations today against the treasurer are completely unfounded ... his behaviour is beneath the deputy premier and he should be embarrassed.”