Premier reticent on Trump meeting

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to say whether she would meet with US President Donald Trump just months out from his potential visit Down Under – despite other state political leaders extending an invitation.

As speculation mounts around whether Mr Trump will visit the Sunshine State to coincide with the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Papua New Guinea in November, the Premier refused to be drawn on the issue.

“We have no information about any official visits; any inquiries should be directed to the Prime Minister’s office,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill called for the President to visit the North’s garrison city.

“Townsville’s air force base is a defence base, it offers security,” she said.

“We have Marines training at the moment too; it would be an opportunity for him to visit his troops.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk extended a personal invitation to Mr Trump.

“A visit from President Trump would once again showcase our city to the United States and the world and be an injection into our tourism economy,” he said.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to President Trump to visit Brisbane, dine in our world- class restaurants and cuddle a koala, while he is in the Asia Pacific.”

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said the US was one of Queensland’s biggest trading partners.

“It is passing strange that the Premier would not encourage the US President to visit here,” she said.

“No matter what you think of his policies or politics, the US- Queensland relationship is bigger than one man and the exposure a visit by Mr Trump would bring to Queensland would be immense.”