LNP Convention: Turnbull calls Shorten ‘weak’ and ‘a liar’

Malcolm Turnbull tells the LNP convention that theirs is a party of aspiration, and takes potshots at Bill Shorten.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is seen speaking at the Queensland LNP (Liberal National Party) State convention. Picture: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told Liberal National Party members in Brisbane that the LNP is the party of aspiration, and also took potshots at his opposite number Bill Shorten.

The prime minister was speaking at the annual LNP convention, where the party’s grassroots members gather to debate the direction of the party over the next 12 months.

Mr Turnbull congratulated the merged Queensland wing of the party on 10 years of existence, but focused his comments mostly on federal issues, taking aim at opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

In strong language, Mr Turnbull accused Mr Shorten of being “weak” and a “liar” while pushing his own government’s ability to lead the nation. “We are the party of aspiration, of enterprise. Labor has become a party of envy, negativity, pessimism and grievance,” Mr Turnbull said.

“It is so against that fighting Australian spirit, no wonder people are turning away from Bill Shorten, and saying we don’t want your lies.”

Mr Turnbull’s strong address followed party president Gary Spence firing shots across the bows of the state Labor Party by referring its developer donation laws to the High Court.

The laws were introduced by the Palaszczuk Labor government earlier this year in the wake of a corruption watchdog review of corruption at a local council level. The LNP argued the laws should apply to union donations as well, and Mr Spence announced on Saturday that documents were lodged on Friday afternoon to challenge the laws.

“This is legislation that should never have been introduced and should never have passed the House,” Mr Spence told the convention.

“It is a shocking abuse of power by Labor and we simply must fight it.” Mr Spence said the laws did not just affect donations from multinational companies, but also small local businesses.

The LNP president has a personal stake in the issue, as he owns a small development company, and could be forced to resign his position with the party if the laws are upheld.

The party later passed a resolution calling on the LNP opposition in State parliament to continue to fight for the right of individuals and organisations to donate to their preferred political party.

Both Mr Spence and Mr Turnbull marked the 10th anniversary in 2018 of the joined Queensland wing of the Liberal and National parties.

Other resolutions passed on Saturday included a call for the federal government to own and operate the rail line servicing Adani’s Carmichael Coal mine, as well as a border resolution for the federal coalition to support building more coal- fired power stations in Queensland.

The annual convention is a chance for the rank-and-file members of the party to make their views heard, although the parliamentary wing is not bound by any resolutions considered.

AAP