Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says Campbell Newman's decision to call an early election could bolster the LNP's chances of re-election.
Speaking from New York, Mr Beattie told the Nine Network on Tuesday that the current LNP premier's timing of a January 31 election was carefully calculated.
"I think you'll find a lot of Queenslanders are still on holidays, and they'll be wishing that Campbell had stayed on holidays as well," he said.
"The reality is calling an election in January is an advantage for the government and that's what this tactic is all about."
Mr Beattie said he had called an early election in 2001 and 2004 - both of which were successful for the Labor party - but that the circumstances were very different.
He said in 2001 he was compelled to go to the polls after booting people out of the party for electoral rorting.
Mr Beattie said he called the 2004 election only 10 days early.
"Campbell's gone almost two months early and ... I think there will be a bit of cynicism about that in the electorate," he said.
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