QLD election: LNP has no party treasurer, two months from poll

Less than two months out from the Queensland election, LNP headquarters does not have a treasurer.

Stuart Fraser, the LNP’s treasurer since 2015, did not recontest the position in August. Picture: LinkedIn

Less than two months out from the Queensland election, Liberal National Party headquarters does not have a treasurer, leaving the Opposition’s party machine without a key fundraiser.

Stuart Fraser, the LNP’s treasurer since 2015, did not recontest the position in August, when LNP president David Hutchinson stepped down after a failed destabilisation campaign against leader Deb Frecklington.

When the president’s position became vacant, so did other official roles, and Mr Fraser confirmed he had not reapplied.

He told The Australian he was focusing on his financial business, which has been extra busy because of the COVID-19 crisis.

LNP leader Deb Frecklington campaigns in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

“Under our (LNP) constitution every time the presidency changes the treasurer and legal counsel are appointed/reappointed and incumbents decide if they want to be renominated,” Mr Fraser said.

“I did not renominate to serve in August at the last changeover. This is due to COVID impact on my business and needing to focus on that.”

There is no suggestion he was involved in the campaign against Ms Frecklington.

The LNP has not announced a replacement for Mr Fraser, and a party spokesman said the party was “in the process” of appointing his successor.

The treasurer’s position is traditionally seen as the official responsible for driving fundraising for the party, as well as managing its finances.

Mr Hutchinson was replaced by Cynthia Hardy on August 3, the conservative party’s first female president.

Ms Frecklington stared down criticism from within party headquarters, led by Mr Hutchinson, to remain as leader, despite some senior organisational figures believing she cannot win the October 31 election.

An LNP partyroom meeting unanimously backed Ms Frecklington to remain in the role, and touted-challenger David Crisafulli - a former Newman government minister, now one of Ms Frecklington’s shadow cabinet - denied being disloyal and did not contest.