The Liberal National Party's president has drawn comparisons between Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid to his party's years in opposition in Queensland.
Speaking at the opening of the 2013 LNP Convention in Brisbane on Friday, Bruce McIver told delegates that no one imagined the Liberal or National parties would be in government back in 2007.
"You wanted to stop squabbling, you wanted to stop the infighting, you wanted a new way of doing politics," he said.
"You wanted to be in government.
"Nelson Mandela has said 'it's always impossible until it is done'."
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Mr McIver said before the two parties amalgamated in 2008 they held 35 per cent of elected positions in Queensland, both state and federal, versus 75 per cent today.
The LNP president also lashed out at Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, saying he never completed the Kokoda Trail, but was flown home half-way.
"But that's the man, it's all a facade, it's just a lot of talk," he said.
Mr McIver also warned delegates not to be distracted by the local government referendum during the upcoming federal election.
"It's not our intention to put any information out about the `yes or no' case and therefore our how-to-vote cards and polling booths will not be doing anything except supporting our federal candidates and our senate team," he said.
"We need to focus our whole energy and time into getting Tony Abbott, Warren Truss and their team elected into government, not worrying about a divisive local government referendum.
"We can do that later."
