The continuing decline of the LNP Opposition, and their leader Tim Nicholls in the latest ReachTel poll has been explained by party insiders as cross-infection from the federal party, and a loss of momentum post-Springborg.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both explanations are, of course, absolute rubbish.
On the losing side of the preferred premier stakes 46 to 28, Tim Nicholls lacks impact with the electorate. Not surprising given he's a Churchie-educated lawyer representing leafy Clayfield. A Liberal from central casting. An exemplar of old politics.
This, incidentally, is why Tim Mander was so interesting. An evangelical Christian who was a former footy ref. Just that he didn't have the political skills to get over the line.
Twitter is a much maligned medium. To state the obvious, Twitter is not Facebook. Twitter is primarily a medium for and by opinion leaders. The LNP Opposition's Twitter accounts give us a good snapshot of why they are behind in the polls.
First, they post the wrong content. For example, no one wants to see the backs of the heads of a few old blokes talking to Tim Nicholls and Tarnya Smith at the Jindalee boat ramp. Yet this is what they posted recently.
Great to have @TimNichollsMP down at Jindalee Boat Ramp for a local community BBQ. Lots of locals with issues raised. pic.twitter.com/zvVt0AvEoC— Tarnya Smith MP (@TarnyaSmithMP) October 22, 2016
Yes, and what were those issues, and what are the LNP solutions to those issues?
Tarnya Smith is also the shadow minister for the digital economy. Even more rare than the steak at the boat ramp BBQ is a tweet from her about her portfolio area. Perhaps she thinks the digital economy is about counting money using your fingers and toes as an abacus.
Secondly, the LNP troll the government, when again, on Twitter, the focus should be on policy.
Growth revised down again under Captain Risky’s watch https://t.co/YDCd23Jpkp @scottemerson #qldpol— QLD Opposition Media (@QldOppMedia) November 3, 2016
And from Nicholls:
Pick-pocket @Curtis_Pitt_MP is going after Qlders' superannuation again - avg public servant $210,000 worse off after 30 years. #qldpol— Tim Nicholls MP (@TimNichollsMP) August 23, 2016
Epithets such as "Captain Risky" and "Pick-pocket Pitt" might work on the floor of Parliament, but on Twitter they reinforce the idea that politicians are disconnected from the community.
Twitter is best used to further engage the already engaged. That means a focus on policy. Lower profile government ministers like Innovation Minister Leanne Enoch are relentless in tweeting their engagement with the policy constituencies linked with their portfolios.
Officially opening the @CommBank Pop-up #Innovation Lab in #Brisbane this morning. pic.twitter.com/o0eOuc8cFu— Leeanne Enoch MP (@LeeanneEnoch) October 27, 2016
The argument may be that policy proposals cannot be communicated in 140 characters. Such a suggestion simply shows a lack of imagination.
Finally, on the other side, the Premier missed an opportunity this week to consolidate the power of her minority government. The cheeky suggestion of appointing Robbie Katter as Minister for Agriculture could have been a game changer.
Dr John Harrison is senior lecturer in the University of Queensland's School of Communication and Arts.
