Labor’s leaders missing

Local MPs no- shows

LABOR’S three MPs followed the lead of their Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and missed the leaders’ debate yesterday, claiming it was more important to be doorknocking.

While candidates from other parties attended the Great Leaders’ Debate, Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke, Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper and Townsville MP Scott Stewart did not.

The Bulletin understands Ms O’Rourke had informed organisers she would not attend, but Mr Scott and Mr Harper simply did not show up despite having bought tickets.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls took a cardboard cut- out of Ms Palaszczuk ( right) on stage before being asked to remove it.

Later, Ms O’Rourke said she was making the most of the final days of the campaign.

“We’ve been out this morning having a talk with the local community,” she said. “We had a volunteer briefing by 8.30am and out on the streets by 9am.”

Ms O’Rourke defended the Premier’s absence.

“The Premier has been here multiple times,” she said.

“What is important is having those conversations with the community. Where is Tim Nicholls on the doors?”

Mr Harper said he had been busy talking to locals.

“We had our debate at the Chamber ( of Commerce) a week ago as local members,” he said. “I had the opportunity to speak to many people. For me right now it’s about delivering.

“We had initially booked tickets … to see if someone was coming up but the Premier could not make it.”

Mr Stewart said he decided it was best to keep doorknocking.

“It’s the most important thing for us at the moment,” he said. “With only a few days to go, that’s my priority.

“We’ve only got these last few days to talk to as many people around what we have been doing over these last few years.”

LNP Thuringowa candidate Nick Martinez said he would never doorknock before 9am.

One Nation candidate for Burdekin Sam Cox said there was “no way” the Labor MPs were doorknocking that early.