Queensland Premier Campbell Newman wanted the phrase of the day to be “Strong Plan”, but instead it was “Tony Abbott”.

The Liberal National Party has been forced to deny the prime minister is in “witness protection” and avoiding the state election as Labor has taunted.

Mr Abbott is on leave this week, but was also conspicuously absent from the Victorian election in November, where the focus on the unpopularity of the prime minister and federal budget cuts helped bring down the coalition government.

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And in Queensland he has not yet shown his face on the hustings.

Acting Prime Minister Warren Truss stood in for him on Monday as Mr Newman announced $147.8 million roads project funding as part of his “Strong Plan for Queensland” on Monday.

The federal government will contribute to some of the projects, but Mr Newman says some state funding will depend on his asset-leasing plan.

“It comes from a strong LNP government, a strong team, to actually deal with issues that will actually help people get home to their loved ones on time and safely,” Mr Newman said.

But questions quickly turned to Mr Abbott and the chance of federal issues influencing voters.

The premier isn’t concerned about federal factors at the polls, saying he’s always stood up for Queenslanders.

Mr Truss says Mr Abbott’s presence isn’t necessary anyway.

“Premier Newman doesn’t need someone else to hold his hand. He’s an experienced premier. It’s his election,” he said on the Gold Coast.

Mr Truss wasn’t the only federal face in town, with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten joining state Labor Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk on the trail in Ipswich.

Ms Palaszczuk is well aware the most recent poll shows support for the Abbott government has tumbled dramatically and Mr Shorten is the preferred prime minister in most states.

In his second day in the sunshine state, Mr Shorten said it was simple why the “acting” and not the actual prime minister had joined Mr Newman on his campaign.

“Everyone knows why Tony Abbott’s not here,” Mr Shorten said. “It’s because he’s a vote loser.

“He’s box office poison.”

Ms Palaszczuk promised to set up a $40 million Business Development Fund to encourage innovation in the private sector.

She also pledged to tie politicians’ pay rises to those of public servants if Labor wins government.

-AAP