LNP chief backs party treasurer

14 Jul 2012, 3:31 pm   -   Source: AAP

Bruce McIver says he has full confidence in LNP treasurer Barry O'Sullivan, who has been criticised for reviewing the books of government businesses.

Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) president Bruce McIver says he has full confidence in the party's treasurer, who was caught secretly reviewing the books of two government businesses.

Premier Campbell Newman has admonished Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg for sending in LNP treasurer Barry O'Sullivan to review the finances of the government's printing business GoPrint and its landscaping business, GoPlant.

Mr McIver is standing behind his treasurer and said he would support his re-election to the party executive at the state convention in Brisbane on Sunday.

"He has done a wonderful job," he said.

"I've got full confidence in Mr O'Sullivan.

"What Mr O'Sullivan does in his private time, he's a very competent person, is his business, it is not my decision.

"Mr Flegg, as far as I'm aware, is a very competent person as well."

Mr McIver couldn't rule out a party official doing the books again.

"That is not up for me to decide," he said.

Mr McIver wouldn't say if he had a problem with Mr O'Sullivan doing the books or whether it overstepped the mark on the separation of powers between parliament and the party executive.

He said he would not have done it, but wouldn't say if his objection was for ethical reasons.

Mr McIver insists the parliament and state executive committee operate independently, but warned Mr Newman and his team not to stray too far.

He said it was the state's 14,000 members who were responsible for getting them elected: they preselected each MP, raised the funds for their campaign, and managed polling booths.

"It is Campbell and his team that will run the state, not the organisation," he said.

"But those decisions need to be made always on the basis that they fit with the core beliefs of the party and our membership wherever possible."

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