KAP waits to show its hand in Qld

Katter's Australian Party says it won't rush its decision to decide whether the LNP or Labor should form a minority government in Queensland.

Katter's Australian Party could wait weeks before it decides which party it will back to form a minority government in Queensland.

Queensland leader Rob Katter met with Liberal National Party leader Lawrence Springborg in Brisbane on Tuesday, detailing key policies he wants both major parties to consider before KAP decides which to support.

However, Mr Katter said the party was likely to wait until the Court of Disputed Returns decided whether a by-election is required in the pivotal electorate of Ferny Grove.

"I think as everyone's becoming aware, there's a number of scenarios to play out from here and any discussion and commitment that we gave to anyone now would be absolutely meaningless," Mr Katter said.

"So we don't see any sense in coming out and tying our colours to the mast of someone that may not be in government in a week or two weeks time."

When asked whether KAP would wait until the court's decision, Mr Katter replied: "That's one scenario."

Labor now holds 44 seats, including Ferny Grove, and has the support of Independent Peter Wellington.

The LNP, set to win 42 seats, can still form government if it has both KAP MPs support and wins Ferny Grove in a by-election.

The Court of Disputed Returns, with a Supreme Court judge presiding, will decide on Ferny Grove in coming weeks.

If a by-election is the outcome, it is not expected to be held until April at the earliest.

The result of the Brisbane-based electorate came under scrutiny once Palmer United Party candidate Mark Taverner was ruled ineligible after he was discovered to be an undisclosed bankrupt.

Mr Katter and fellow KAP MP Shane Knuth are also meeting Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday.

When asked whether both parties were "laying on the charm" for the KAP MPs, Mr Katter laughed and replied: "Of course they are."

Mr Katter insisted both major parties still had an equal chance of gaining KAP's support.


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Source: AAP


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