Queensland election: Leaders agree it’s good to talk: two debates locked in

Queensland’s political leaders will face off in two debates just ahead of the October 31 election, but after a majority of voters are expected to have cast their ballots.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, left, and Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington.

Queensland’s political leaders will face off in two debates just ahead of the October 31 election, but after a majority of voters are expected to have cast their ballots.

On Wednesday evening, Labor Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington confirmed final negotiations had led to agreement for a second Queensland Media Club debate on October 30.

It will follow the long-scheduled October 28 Sky News/Courier-Mail People’s Forum debate, where both leaders will be grilled by undecided voters on issues including plans for economic recovery.

The LNP had earlier criticised the Premier’s reluctance to commit to a second debate.

Both sides consider the result of the election will be tight, but the debates may come too late, with the Electoral Commission of Queensland expecting two thirds of voters to pre-poll or cast their ballot via post. “The LNP always plays the full 80 minutes — we will be … fighting for every vote until polling booths close at 6pm on Saturday the 31st of October,” a LNP spokesman said.