Election eve
It was the night before the election and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a...who am I kidding, everyone is stirring, it’s a madhouse up here - and not in the stupid cliched way a lot of southerners think of Queensland.
Polls are 50-50, the premier is facing defeat in his seat of Ashgrove, when just three years ago Labor received a thrashing, reduced to just seven seats in the Queensland parliament (now nine).
So how did election eve go?
- Premier Campbell Newman blitzed the airwaves this morning doing three radio interviews before bunkering down to study for the debate. He failed to spell Annastacia Palaszczuk’s last name in one interview and in another was grilled on his record in a lengthy segment.
- Palaszczuk was more low profile, but did appear on ABC 24 and stumbled when she referred to the “seasonal trend” of unemployment rate, rather than the trend or seasonally adjusted rate, though it was largely not picked up.
- Asset sales dominated the debate which was called a tie or a narrow victory to Palaszczuk by most media pundits. Both leaders put in a solid performance with no major blunders or blows landed.
- Both major parties have rejected legal reforms that would end the politicisation of the judiciary in Queensland and stop it being the only state in Australia that puts juveniles in adult prisons, say justice advocates.
Both major parties have rejected legal reforms that would end the politicisation of the judiciary in Queensland and stop it being the only state in Australia that puts juveniles in adult prisons, my colleague Joshua Robertson reports here.
The Liberal National party (LNP) and Labor have refused calls for an independent body to vet legal appointments in the wake of Tim Carmody’s highly contentious elevation to supreme court chief justice.
And neither party in power would stop jailing 17-year-olds with adults, in what one church figure said was a human rights abuse that violated international conventions.
A few photos from the debate today.
Nice and natural for the cameras:
The protesters have realised they’re on to a good thing with that outfit, it’s making more appearances than asset sales:
Props! He bought props!
Updated
Campbell Newman has reaffirmed his “proud” support for the coal industry and hit back at critics of the chief justice appointment, as his final day of campaigning was sidetracked by controversial issues of the past three years, my colleague Daniel Hurst reports here.
He has rounded up the morning blitz of interviews Newman did this morning noting Palaszczuk’s blunder this morning which she seems to have got away with.
Steve Wardill, the state political editor for the Courier Mail, is on Sky’s Keneally and Cameron program and raises an interesting theory: that Labor would not mind a Campbell Newman victory in Ashgrove tomorrow.
Having him there for a term on 1 or 2% wouldn’t be a good term for the LNP.
Updated
Katter's Australian party vs LNP in supreme court
Katter’s Australian party is claiming victory in its supreme court battle, though the Liberal National party say it was dismissed and has repeated that KAP is in a preference deal – exactly the reason KAP tried to take them to court.
KAP this morning filed an injunction against an LNP advertisement that said it had done a deal with Palmer United party (PUP), the Greens and the ALP.
KAP released a statement claiming the legal representatives of LNP gave undertakings that they do not propose to publish any further material (keep in mind, the election is tomorrow AND there is an advertising blackout).
The KAP release trumpeted:
While we are not at the end yet, we see this is as the beginning of a win for honesty in Queensland.
Not so, according to a statement by the LNP party director Brad Henderson. He says the application was dismissed with costs awarded to the LNP.
He says:
Katter’s Australian party has today shown Queenslanders that minor parties have nothing to offer but chaos and confusion with their decision to abandon legal action just hours after launching it.
Then, one would think just for badness he adds:
It’s clear Labor and the minor parties are doing preference deals with each other and the only way to ensure a stronger Queensland with a stable government is to just vote one for the LNP.
Updated
Another editorial endorsing the re-election of the LNP.
The Australian Financial Review has written in support of the party’s plan for asset leasing, encouraging voters to re-elect them tomorrow.
It is here but behind a paywall. Here are some excerpts:
The issues at the end of campaigning for Queensland’s snap election are the same as they were at the start: Liberal National Party government has a plan to boost the state economy with new infrastructure and the wherewithal to carry it out. The Labor Party is promising little more than drift.
Having won in an incredible 78 to 7 scoreline in 2012, the LNP will suffer losses as the pendulum swings back towards normality. One of the losers could well be Premier Campbell Newman in his marginal seat of Ashgrove. Like Prime Minister Tony Abbott he has made himself a lightening rod for voter and partyroom discontent, if for different reasons. If he goes, his likely replacement is Treasurer Tim Nicholls, at least ensuring the continuity of the privatisation program at the core the LNP’s case.
One of Brisbane’s most popular bars is getting involved in the campaign for an LNP re-election sending out to text messages to unsuspecting boozers.
@bkjabour Did you see Cloudland getting involved? pic.twitter.com/VstuaLeK8M
— Jessica Sier (@jessicasier) January 30, 2015
Shake it off:
The consensus seems to be that it was a close debate though a few journalists are mentioning Annastacia Palaszczuk as the narrow victor.
ABC’s Queensland state political reporter Chris O’Brien said Palaszczuk had the “slight edge”.
Other reactions from media who were there:
Debate verdict: blood and teeth on the canvas .. No knockout but .. @AnnastaciaMP on points against current title holder #9News #qldvotes
— Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) January 30, 2015
Solid debate from both Newman & Palaszczuk. Delivered their well-rehearsed lines and no killer blows. #qlddebate #qldvotes
— Mark Ludlow (@M_Ludlow) January 30, 2015
Ha ha @PatrickCondren tells it like it is. Declares insomnia the winner of the leaders' debate #truedat #qldvotes
— Kim Stephens (@kimstephens_bt) January 30, 2015
We have some gifs! Thanks to the wonderful Fred McConnell.
Here is Annastacia Palaszczuk reacting to the premier’s opening remarks. I wonder what she really wanted to say?
Debate finishes. Who won? (Democracy?)
In my humble opinion there was no clear winner in that debate. I’d call it a tie. Both were pretty confident, neither stumbled badly, but both were playing it safe and repeating the lines we have heard over and over again.
Were you watching? Who do you think won?
Updated
Annastacia Palaszczuk is up next up. She has something important to say about, you guessed it, if you guessed PLANS.
Labor’s plans are moderate. Labor’s plans are sensible. Labor’s plans are fully costed. My commitment to Queensland is fundamentally Labor will not sell your assets. What we know from the Premier’s Queensland plan is that he is relying solely on asset sales now and into the future.
Labor will not sell your assets, has she mentioned that? Yes? Good. She won’t sell your assets.
Updated
Now for closing statements, Campbell Newman is up first. He’s talking about clowns and being the first state to go to the moon.
No he’s not!
He’s talking about plans.
The bottom line is after three years, with 22 staff, with all the resources of the previous Opposition and more some, they haven’t got a plan. They have got four pages of costings, there they are, that is an insult to the people of Queensland.
In contrast the LNP does have a plan. It’s got a very strong team, it’s got a plan that was created with Queenslanders, the Queensland plan, a 30-year vision.
Newman’s closing question to Palaszczuk:
You have outlined that you will only have 14 ministries if you are the premier. Name those ministries.
He’s trying to trip her up but she’s having none of it.
If we are fortunate, premier, to be elected to government, the normal step then is that the premier would form a ministry and allocate those portfolios. What I am showing Queenslanders is very clearly that we have a moderate and sensible approach to economic management in this State.
Updated
Now closing questions to each other.
Palaszczuk is back on jobs, why should Queenslanders trust you now when you talk about creating jobs in the next three years?
Newman:
We’ve worked very hard to make this the best place in Australia to set up a business and to grow a business and that’s how you really create jobs, with a strong economic plan and a strong united team who are behind that plan.
Question to Palaszczuk:
Since Labor played so dirty in 2012 isn’t it fair play that the LNP claim you receive bikies donations with no evidence? (paraphrased)
Palaszczuk says if Newman has evidence of Labor receiving bikie donations he needs to go to the authorities.
Newman says Labor wants to get rid of the bikie laws and bikies have backed them.
Question to Newman:
There has been a lot talked about and said about privatisation and asset leases.We know the rationale for the sale, obviously to pay down debt and build infrastructure. Did you seriously expect voters to believe these assets, especially Queensland’s electricity networks like coal fired generators are going back into the government’s hands in 99 years’ time?
Newman uses the examples of Alaska and Hong Kong to say there’s a difference between leasing and selling. He’s used this analogy before, it usually sails over my head to be honest. Alaska is a state of America, you’ll get your assets back.
Updated
Next question is to Palaszczuk:
When Wayne Goss, God rest him, led Labor out of the political wilderness against similar odds, against only a slightly more conservative regime, he made sure that he had policies that were well researched and that stacked up. And above all, had an opposition that looked like an alternative Government. My question to you is – why didn’t you?
Palaszczuk disagrees with the premise but soldiers on.
I have put to Queenslanders a real alternative. There is no clearer choice, this government will sell your assets, Labor will not.
Newman:
We’re not selling assets, we’re leasing assets...after three years their costings are four pieces of paper.
Updated
Next question to Newman:
Are you trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the people by saying if you don’t win Ashgrove, the LNP won’t win government?
It’s a cheeky double question:
What can you say about what the LNP will do in regards to your economic vision, your plan without you and if they have lost seats?
Newman repeats his line that he truly believes if he does not win Ashgrove then the LNP will not win government.
I’ve talked about the Queensland plan a lot.
Yes, you have.
We also the plan to build up construction, tourism, and resources. That’s how you create jobs. What I’m saying to you is the battle in my electorate is the same as all electorates across the state. People on the one hand can have a strong team with a strong, local plan and a strong plan for the State and the ability to fund that plan through the asset-leasing program, to fund the things that Queenslanders need.
Updated
Next question is to Palaszczuk:
Why do you deserve to be premier? We have seen a campaign with not a lot of policy detail, we have seen a commitment to set up committees but not a lot of answers of what you are going to do for the state. Why do you deserve to be premier?
Palaszczuk says Labor has learnt its lesson after being reduced to seven seats at the last election.
In contrast, we have seen an arrogant and out of touch government that has been going around Queensland and now proceeds to sell your state assets ... Over the last three years, I’ve been listening and talking to people in communities and developing policies that I’ve put to the Queensland public and they will cast their vote tomorrow. Fundamentally it is about jobs, it’s about keeping our assets in our own hands so they are not sold off to foreign companies.
Palaszczuk says her government would be a consultative government.
Newman responds that he has consulted, the Queensland plan was created through consultation.
Updated
Questions open to media during debate
Questions now open to the media.
Premier, during your victory speech three years ago, one of your first promises you made was to conduct government with dignity, grace and humility for the people of Queensland. As you look back on the last three years, indeed the last three weeks, how do you think you would measure yourself against that benchmark?
Newman concedes some of his decisions, and even his leadership style, have been controversial, but it’s because he’s passionate, he says.
But why, ladies and gentlemen? Because of you. Because of your families, because of my desire to make this a better state, to create jobs and opportunity, to make this the safest place to raise your family, to give you the best free public hospitals in the nation and to make sure your kids are educated to have a great job. That’s why I get fired up. That’s why I get passionate because I’m in this for Queensland, I’m in this for you and your families. Not for me, not for my family, not for my MP’s families but for Queenslanders. Yes, on occasions I’ve been fired up because I love this state and I’m working my guts out for it.
Updated
Palaszczuk questions Newman on asset sales which he calls asset leasing - until he slips up and for the first time this campaign, I think, accidentally refers to it as asset sales.
He argues the legal difference between asset leasing and sales.
Palaszczuk responds:
How are people meant to trust you on jobs when you sacked 24,000 (I think it’s actually 14,000) public servants when you said before the last election that they had nothing to fear? she asks, answering the question with a question.
I have met those people as I’ve travelled around Queensland, in Cairns, in Townsville, even recently out at Charleville where nine jobs were lost out there in preventative health. These are the stories that people are telling me. They are not happy with what you have done and the way you have acted relentlessly in relation to their jobs. There is dignity in work. Labor will create jobs.
Updated
Campbell Newman’s first question to Palaszczuk:
Jobs are the central issue in this campaign. And given the information that you put out, meagre though it maybe, it’s very clear from what we can see is that a Palaszczuk government would destroy about 50,000 jobs at least in Queensland. In contrast under our strong plan, which has been assessed by Treasury, 209,000 jobs will be created over the next six years. Can you tell Queenslanders how many jobs you would create over the next six years?
Updated
Snap analysis from our cartoonist on the ground:
Campbell is not at all believable and Anna is not particularly convincing. #qldvotes #qlddebate #numberalltheboxes #cassowaries
— Mr Onthemoon (@firstdogonmoon) January 30, 2015
Annastacia Palaszczuk reminds the audience it is a “David and Goliath battle”, something we have heard almost as much as we have heard the word “strong”.
She also has a plan – a plan not to sell assets:
There is one day left to stop the sale of our assets. Tomorrow is the last chance that Queenslanders have to make sure that we hold on to our assets now and for future generations. Once our assets are gone, they are gone forever. That’s it. No more. And Labor makes this commitment to Queensland, we will not sell your assets.
Newman has apparently trashed the dreams of children, nobody is dreaming of becoming a tradie anymore – this is a new line.
When I went to my high school, their dreams have been shattered. No longer are they dreaming about becoming a sparky or becoming a scientist or becoming a teacher. They just want to find a job. And that’s disappointing because in Queensland there is so much opportunity and I want to restore this hope and opportunity for our young people right across the State.
Updated
Newman vs Palaszczuk debte begins
The debate has begun with premier Campbell Newman making the opening remarks.
I was elected with my team only three years ago to frankly sort out a mess, to get the economy going, to create jobs, to repair the state’s finances and set a path forward for Queensland in the coming years. Now we’ve made a lot of progress.
But. Guess what?!
If you guessed there is still more to do you guessed right.
He has a plan – the Queensland plan.
We have a plan to lease assets so we can get the proceeds into deal with debt, invest in infrastructure, 25,000 jobs and$8.6bn worth of economic building infrastructure and take Queensland forward giving them the schools, the hospitals, the roads, the bridges that Queenslanders are not just saying that they want but they need.
Updated
Our wonderful cartoonist First Dog on the Moon has been sent to the debate. He has sent this blurry photo from inside the media club. You can almost see the tension.
I am at the leaders debate! #qlddebate #qldvotes #cassowaries pic.twitter.com/SrtGFFL1cU
— Mr Onthemoon (@firstdogonmoon) January 30, 2015
Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk have arrived at the Queensland Media Club for the debate.
Palaszczuk has won the coin toss and decided to let Newman speak first.
Earlier I asked what you would like to see debated and here are some of the, more publishable, responses:
@YaThinkN @bkjabour Any plans to address climate change #qldvotes
— progold (@rossprowd) January 30, 2015
@bkjabour @YaThinkN What they understand by, and whether they support, the doctrine of the separation of powers under the Westminster system
— Andrew Stafford (@staffo_sez) January 30, 2015
@bkjabour Transparency, Accountability & Responsibility. Will either party return PCMC & CMC to 'true' Ind. fuctioning bodies? #QldVotes
— Cranky Pants Noely (@YaThinkN) January 30, 2015
“@bkjabour: What do you want to see the leaders debate? #qldvotes http://t.co/0qo9oJ9w25” interpretative dance
— Serf Dee eM (@InflatablePlant) January 30, 2015
Another day, another poll. The Gold Coast Bulletin has published a new ReachTEL poll which found on the Gold Coast, a mostly blue ribbon city with a few safe Liberal seats, three LNP held seats with margins of more than 10% could be lost tomorrow.
The seats in strife are Albert, Broadwater and Burleigh, all with margins of 11.9%, 11.3% and 11% respectively.
The leaders are bunkered down, swotting up for the debate at 1pm (Queensland time, I only speak in Queensland time). We can expect asset sales, the economy, accountability and transparency, perhaps Ashgrove, to be debated. But what would you, dear reader, like to hear them speak about on election eve? Any undecided out there?
Let me know in the comments, or over on the twitters @bkjabour.
The Greens leader, Christine Milne, campaigning in Brisbane, says Tony Abbott is “toxic” to the electorate and Campbell Newman is on the nose.
Milne confirms the Greens’ how-to-vote cards in the majority of seats will recommend people allocate preferences to Labor above the LNP “because we want to see an end to the Campbell Newman government”.
This preference deal includes Ashgrove, where Labor’s candidate, Kate Jones, is seeking to oust Newman in the seat she held until 2012.
In the seat of Ashgrove the Greens decided to preference the Labor party to run Campbell Newman out of Ashgrove, out of Queensland ...
If Campbell Newman goes on a plan B to drive another Liberal out of a safe Liberal seat to get back in he will incur the wrath of Queenslanders.
Updated
Tony Abbott: Campbell Newman deserves to win
The prime minister says Campbell Newman deserves to win the election tomorrow.
He deserves to win. Campbell Newman has a strong team, a strong plan for a stronger Queensland. Campbell Newman has a plan for Government. All the opposition has is a plan for getting into government. If you want to keep Queensland strong, there is only one person to vote for and that’s Campbell Newman.
Tony Abbott has got the “strong” memo.
He explained his absence from Queensland by repeating his line that Newman is running his own race.
Asked if he thinks he harmed Newman’s campaign:
I’m pleased and proud that the Abbott Government has scrapped the carbon tax, scrapped the mining taxes. They were anti-Queensland taxes and they have gone. We are investing $7bn in the Bruce Highway, $1bn in the Gateway Motorway upgrade and some $700m in the Toowoomba Range crossing. This is good news for Queensland from the Abbott Government in Canberra.
Asked if Newman specifically asked Abbott to stay away he says it was clear from the beginning Newman wanted to run his own race, which is his right.
Updated
On the subject of economic gaffes, my colleague Joshua Robertson points out treasurer, Tim Nicholls, mucked up while locking horns with opposite number Curtis Pitt on ABC local radio yesterday afternoon:
Nicholls retrospectively raised the LNP’s first term unemployment target by 2% – which would have put the government right on target, Pitt helpfully pointed out.
Nicholls: “Let me be clear because what we said was we’d target a 6% unemployment rate over six years. Now everyone knows...”
Pitt: “You’re right actually. I think you actually meant to say 4%. You actually have targeted at least a 6%, it’s been actually over GFC levels.”
Updated
Joe Hockey on inevitable loss of LNP seats
Federal treasurer, Joe Hockey, just fronted up to media in western Sydney and was asked if an LNP loss in Queensland would be the final nail in the coffin of Tony Abbott’s prime ministership.
Hockey knows the lines – the LNP have a plan for the future of Queensland but he is also acknowledging an “inevitable” loss of seats and emphasising it is a “natural” thing.
There is inevitably going to be a reaction from the community as there would be a natural rebalancing of the numbers in the Queensland parliament but I say to the people of Queensland: don’t abandon a good Government tomorrow. Do not walk away from the only political party, the LNP, that actually has a plan for the future of Queensland that’s going to create jobs.
Reporter: you’re saying that if the LNP loses seats tomorrow it’s got nothing to do with Tony Abbott.
I’ll leave that to commentators. I resolve this here. I had a couple of good new year’s resolutions and one was not to engage in commentary or gossip and I think they’re pretty good and please let me try to keep that resolution.
Updated
The wide ranging interview Campbell Newman did with Steve Austin on ABC 612 is up online, you can listen here.
Newman is questioned about politicising the judiciary, the LNP’s relationship with coal companies, whether he went to Alan Jones’ house and alternative premiers if he loses Ashgrove. Austin does not let him stick to party lines, it is well worth a listen.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has made another blunder when talking economics on ABC 24 this morning.
She said Queensland’s unemployment rate was 6.6% “on a seasonal trend” – a phrase that appeared to merge the two terms used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The “trend” rate in December was 6.6% and the “seasonally adjusted” rate was 6.1%.
The full labour force stats are here.
Updated
So many radio interviews and infinite live blogging space, I am yet to bring you some of this morning’s headlines:
- The Courier Mail has come out very, very hard against Annastacia Palaszczuk. It says her campaign has been “spectacularly derailed” because of her GST stumble and calls it a “monumental blunder”. I can’t find a link to the exact story that’s on the front page but here’s the Courier’s continued coverage on the GST stumble.
- The Sydney Morning Herald has editorialised in support of a re-elected Liberal National Party government, saying voters are angry with Newman “for good reason” the LNP’s assets sales and economic program “can serve Queensland well”. (Does the SMH usually editorialise on other state’s elections?)
- Brisbane Times is reporting LNP as “mute” on the issue of who will be premier if Newman loses Ashgrove tomorrow.
Back to the Katter’s Australian Party supreme court action. Joshua Robertson reports it is “an injunction against any further untrue and unfounded statements and distributions by the LNP”.
The betting odds are really blowing out in Ashgrove.
Campbell Newman now out to $3 to win Ashgrove & Labor's Kate Jones in to $1.35. LNP Qld win $1.12, Labor $5 (via Sportsbet). #qldvotes
— Mark Ludlow (@M_Ludlow) January 29, 2015
Katter Australian Party lodges supreme court action
Katter’s Australian Party has lodged a mystery injunction at the supreme court this morning.
My colleague, Joshua Robertson, reports:
As if there weren’t enough legal action this election – Campbell Newman himself embroiled in three separate defamation suits – the inimitable Bob Katter joins the fray.
Katter’s Australian Party are lodging an injunction in the supreme court in Brisbane this morning, having engaged prominent barrister Dan O’Gorman for the job.
We don’t know yet what it’s about. But in 2012 KAP did the same thing to stop the printing of ballot papers that shortened the party name to “Australia Party”, unimaginably leaving “Katter” right out of it.
Bob himself and state KAP president Shane Paulger will front media at 11am (AEST) to explain all.
Updated
Campbell Newman faces questions on record, donations and judiciary
Campbell Newman is facing a very tough interview on ABC 612. He’s being questioned on almost every major issue of his government and campaign – the politicisation of the judiciary, the influence of coal company donors, his alleged meeting with Alan Jones.
Asked if Lawrence Springborg will be premier if Newman loses Ashgrove, Newman cites Dennis Atkins in the Courier Mail saying it is true if Newman doesn’t win Ashgrove then the LNP will not win government.
I’m going on what the independent commentator said this morning.
Except the independent commentator said the exact opposite! You can read Atkins’ column in the Courier Mail here but essentially he is saying it is a very real possibility Newman will make history tomorrow and be unseated as premier while the LNP retains government.
Newman continues with his line though.
I’m urging people to vote 1 for the LNP because we’ve developed a plan.
Steve Austin asks Newman at least twice if he has ever been to Alan Jones house, referring to the claims made by Jones that Newman flew to Sydney to visit him at home and promised the New Acland mine wouldn’t be expanded.
Newman refuses to answer saying “I’ve been asked that question before in the campaign”.
Austin moves on to electoral disclosure laws and says there are very real questions about the LNP’s closeness with coal companies.
They get in a bit of a tussle with Newman trying to ask Austin if he has a “motor car” but Austin will not allow it, continuing to push on how much of an influence coal companies have.
Newman fights back.
There’s a guy called Clive Palmer who was a very big contributor to our party, he wanted things done in an inappropriate way and we said no and the Palmer United Party is the result. It’s easy for people to make all sorts of allegations but I reject totally we’ve ever done anything other than act in the public interest.
Austin is really not letting Newman get away with his lines on a “strong team with a strong plan for Queensland”.
He moves on to questioning Newman about the appointment of Tim Carmody as chief justice, which was roundly criticised by the legal profession.
Newman defends the appointment saying it is about a “justice” system.
I believe in time he will be one of our most effective chief justices. He wants a justice system in Queensland, not just one that is owned by the legal profession.
It was quite a lengthy interview, Austin is no lightweight interviewer and credit to Newman for showing up there on election eve, he knew he would be asked actual questions. I will endeavour to post the full audio when I have it and further excerpts from it soon.
Annastacia Palaszczuk was asked to go on the program but refused.
Updated
Treasurer Tim Nicholls has just been interviewed on Sky News and is avoiding the question on the possibility of him being premier next week.
What we’re really focussing on is the fight for Queensland, we’ve been putting to the people of Queensland in our plan.
Yes, but what happens if Campbell Newman loses his seat?
I’m confident the people of Ashgrove are having the same decision all Queenslanders are having about the future of the state, and will support Campbell Newman.
He gets to kick Annastacia Palaszczuk over her passing on what the rate of the GST is saying it hasn’t changed for 15 years.
It’s 10% ... it’s a pretty simple number. What are the eocnomic credentials of this opposition?
The knighting of Prince Philip is still a hot topic, with tomorrow’s results having ramifications federally no matter what happens.
So what does Nicholls think about knighting Big Phil?
We found it an odd decision, we would have preferred it going to a Queenslander obviously.
Updated
A quick look at the election eve front pages in south-east Queensland.
Is your face on our front page today? Vox pop election mosaic @gcbulletin pic.twitter.com/c4PD9hsq8Z
— Stephanie Bedo (@GCBedo) January 29, 2015
The front page also has a little line next to the price which says “INC GST (which is 10%)“
Front page of the Courier Mail today. Passing on Palaszczuk as premier. #qldvotes pic.twitter.com/aPhHyGpqdK
— Bridie Jabour (@bkjabour) January 29, 2015
Updated
Campbell Newman is on his third radio station of the morning and he is talking about Annastacia Palaszczuk passing on the question of the GST rate yesterday.
When you make a gaffe about the GST, it’s not because you didn’t have your coffee, it’s because you don’t have a plan.
Asked about the election timing, Newman tells 4KQ the year is starting with certainty “so we can get the election nonsense out of the way”.
He’s asked again about Ashgrove and reaffirms his belief that the seat and the statewide result will be the same.
I hope I get the opportunity to wake up on Sunday morning and get straight back to work and get on with delivering. To get on with the asset leasing program we can spend $8.6bn on infrastructure that the state needs”
Campbell Newman just did the 10 questions in 60 seconds that Annastacia Palaszczuk did yesterday when she passed on the question of the rate of the GST.
Newman passed on his own question: spell Palaszczuk. (Your intrepid correspondent uses a special trick every time she spells it)
Newman:
I always write AP. I’m sorry Annastacia.
Newman scored six out of 10, the same as Palaszczuk yesterday. Other questions included what’s the hotel in Woolloongabba that claims to be the worst vegetarian restaurant in the world (the Norman), who was Queensland’s longest serving premier (Joh Bjelke-Petersen) and what’s the capital of Queensland (imagine having a brain fart on that one).
Campbell Newman is on FM97.3 in Brisbane about to take the 10 questions in 60 seconds that had Annastacia Palaszczuk stumped on what the GST is yesterday.
But first of all, he’s asked to say something nice about Palaszczuk:
Last year Lisa [Newman’s wife] father died and Annastacia wrote a very nice note and we were very appreciative of that. And I thought that was nice.
Palaszczuk yesterday said she really likes Lisa Newman when asked to say something nice about Campbell.
Ready to face the music (specifically, Pink) #qldvotes ping @bkjabour pic.twitter.com/mvlFM6tmm2
— Daniel Hurst (@danielhurstbne) January 29, 2015
Newman vs Palaszczuk for first time today
The leaders have faced off for the first time today on Channel Nine, interviewed by Karl Stefanovic.
Campbell Newman was asked if he would take responsibility for a big seat loss. There is no way he’s touching that!
I refer to talk about what the election’s about. It’s about a choice, a choice between my team that has a strong developed plan vs the Labor party who after three years do not have a plan.
You will have the chance to make your pitch Stefanovic says, but first answer the question. Will you take personal responsibility?
“We had to make some very strong decisions because we were left a huge economic mess by the previous Labor government...but the great news is we’ve restored the budget.
The biggest problem you are facing you is how badly the federal party is tracking. Why haven’t you come out harder against Tony Abbott?
Queenslanders undestand this is a state campaign about state issues. We’ve been very clear about what we would do.
Is Tony Abbott going to cost you the election?
That’s one for political commentators.
Now it is Annatacia Palaszczuk’s turn.
You bungled badly not naming the GST yesterday. Will it cost you the election?
Not at all. These things happen. I didn’t have my coffee. I know the GST is 10%.
The problem is if you don’t know the GST, how do we trust with you other numbers?
Of course I know it. Tony Abbott wants to change it!
The leaders’ final pitch. Palaszczuk:
This is the only chance to keep assets in our hand, this is a David and Goliath battle but we’ve had an arrogant, out of touch government and we need change.
Newman:
This is going to be the strongest state in Australia in the next few years.
Updated
We are racing for the finish line, it’s the dying minutes of the match, and plenty of other sporting analogies as we enter the last day of the campaign.
Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk both woke up in Brisbane with Newman cutting a regional electorate blitz short yesterday in the wake of a poll which showed he was eight percentage points behind Kate Jones in his seat of Ashgrove.
Newman is currently travelling to various radio stations to take to the airwaves this morning. Rumour has it he will take the 10 questions in 60 seconds challenge that had Palaszczuk stumped yesterday when she failed to say the GST rate (10%).
The leaders are also due to spend lunch time debating each other.
Giddy up!
