LNP gears up for first state conference
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Mr Springborg says too much is made of perceived differences within the LNP. (ABC TV News-file image)
Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg says this weekend's Liberal National Party (LNP) conference will not be marred by policy disputes between former Liberals and Nationals.
Townsville will become the focus of state politics this weekend with the Premier and the Opposition Leader visiting the northern city.
Since the LNP was formed, the State Government has tried to highlight perceived differences between former Liberals and former Nationals on issues such as daylight saving.
That will be put to the test in Townsville over the weekend at the LNP's inaugural state council meeting, where candidates will be selected for the upcoming state election.
Mr Springborg says too much is made of perceived differences within the LNP.
He says issues like daylight saving and tree clearing will not be a problem.
"It's interesting - we keep hearing about these issues, there are no real differences with regard to these things," he said.
"The issue of tree clearing has been put to bed, so that's not a problem.
"Just on the issue of daylight saving - daylight saving is not a partisan political issue, it's a geographical political issue and this is what [Premier] Anna Bligh finds as well.
"If you're a former Liberal member and you live in Townsville or Rockhampton you're probably opposed to it [and] if you're a former National member and you live on the Gold [Coast] you're probably in favour of it - so it's a non-partisan political issue."
Federal Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull will address the LNP at a dinner tonight and at the conference tomorrow.
Bligh visit
Premier Anna Bligh also arrives in Townsville tonight to sell her Q2 vision for Queensland at a public forum.
The Premier expects a shortage of beds and staffing issues at the Townsville Hospital to be high on the agenda.
"I've heard them, I believe them - they don't need to do anything further to convince me," she said.
Leader Lawrence Springborg expects the hospital to feature as an election campaign issue.
"The attitude of the local members over a period of time where they've hardly even raised this issue and now it's gone virtually to the point of meltdown," he said.
Both leaders say they will visit the hospital if they have time.
