Newman says Queensland needs fresh start

Queenslanders have a choice of more of the same "stale" Labor government or a fresh-thinking "can do" government, Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman says.

Queenslanders have a choice of more of the same "stale" Labor government or a fresh-thinking "can do" government, Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman says.

Hundreds of LNP supporters gathered in Brisbane for the party's official election campaign launch on Sunday.

Mr Newman has been dogged by more questions about his family's financial interests and fundraising events charging up to $22,000 to have access to him.

He said he hoped to refocus the campaign.

"I'm so very proud to say that we are ready now more than ever," he told his party faithful.

"The LNP is a strong and united team.

"We have the policies, the commitment and the determination to get this state back on track."

Mr Newman cited his record as Brisbane's former lord mayor as his credentials to become premier.

He said that under his watch, the Brisbane City Council was able to implement crucial infrastructure like the Clem7 tunnel and was able to keep rates low.

He criticised Premier Anna Bligh for focusing more on her own re-election than what was best for Queensland.

"Anna Bligh keeps talking about getting her campaign back on track instead of what she's going to do to get Queensland back on track," he said.

"After 20 long years, they've got nothing left."

Ms Bligh says Mr Newman won't change Queensland for the better.

"Queenslanders need to really start asking what sort of change Mr Newman wants?" Ms Bligh told reporters in Brisbane on Sunday morning.

"It seems to me Mr Newman wants to change Queensland back to the way it used to be decades ago.

"When anything went for the developers, when there was not the right restrictions on politicians and their financial arrangements."

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Nationals leader Warren Truss also spoke at the campaign launch, outlining Labor's flaws.

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Source: AAP


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