ABC Online...
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he will not be joining Queensland Premier Campbell Newman on the state election campaign.
Tony Abbott has stayed away from Queensland, while Federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten and other federal frontbenchers have been joining Queensland Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk on the hustings.
Mr Abbott said he was not needed in Queensland.
"Campbell Newman is a very strong Premier, he's got a strong team, he wants to run his own race and who could blame him for wanting to run his own race," Mr Abbott said.
"He doesn't need Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop or Joe Hockey to hold his hand."
Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls told radio 4BC he agreed with the Prime Minister.
"Unlike the Labor Party we don't need the crutch of our federal leader to be up here," Mr Nicholls said.
"We're campaigning on Queensland issues, we don't need the crutch of a Labor blow in."
Also speaking on 4BC, Labor treasury spokesman Curtis Pitt defended his party.
"At least our leader can show his face," Mr Pitt said.
Dave R.
