Copycat claim over youth crime plan as Qld vote nears

Katter's Australian Party leader Robbie Katter
Robbie Katter said his party's Send 'em Bush policy had been a cornerstone of theirs for some time. -AAP Image

There have been scare campaigns, finger-pointing and plenty of barbs.

One Liberal National Party candidate has even claimed to have been beaten up in what he called a political shakedown.

Now plagiarism claims have emerged as an eventful Queensland election campaign nears the final turn.

The opposition has been accused by a crossbencher of copying his party's idea after unveiling its latest crime commitment ahead of the October 26 poll.

The opposition's sentencing policy proposes sending repeat youth offenders away for rehabilitation. (David Gray/AAP PHOTOS)

The LNP announced it would spend $80 million to operate two facilities in remote Queensland if elected, providing repeat youth offenders "circuit breaker sentencing".

Juveniles would be sent away for three to six months to be rehabilitated, with 60 beds available across the two facilities.

Katter's Australian Party thought it was a great idea, but reckoned it had come up with it years ago.

Robbie Katter said the party's "Send 'em Bush" policy had been a cornerstone of their crime policy for some time.

"It's flattering to have your homework from the last seven years copied," the party leader and Traeger MP said in a statement.

"It's just so disappointing to see them (LNP) use this as an election stunt now."

Both Katter and LNP policies reportedly include youth offenders being sent to remote facilities for rehabilitation, excluding juveniles who have committed serious offences like murder.

"This is very different. This is circuit breaker sentencing," LNP youth justice spokeswoman Laura Gerber told reporters when asked about the Katter plan.

LNP youth justice spokeswoman Laura Gerber says the circuit-breaker sentencing policy is different. (Glenn Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

The plagiarism claim is hardly the most serious allegation of an election campaign that is close to completing the full bingo card with another week still remaining.

Both major parties have been accused of running scare campaigns as Premier Steven Miles tries to make ground on opposition leader David Crisafulli in the polls.

The LNP has been claiming Labor would introduce a "patients tax", which the government has promised to scrap.

In turn, Labor has alleged the LNP will privatise satellite hospitals and remove progressive coal royalties.

There was more argy bargy at the second leadership debate on Wednesday.

Mr Miles accused the opposition leader of serving up a "slogan salad" when asked for a straight answer on issues.

Mr Crisafulli was asked for the 132nd time about his stance on abortion before ramming home why he believed time was up for Labor after a "decade of decline".

Polling indicates the LNP leader is on track to end Labor's nine-year reign.

Argy bargy continued on the campaign trail as the leaders sparred over key issues in a debate. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

But the biggest surprise came on Thursday, and it wasn't Mr Crisafulli showing off his tennis talents to local juniors at a stopover in hometown Ingham.

The LNP's Gregory candidate Sean Dillon claimed he was beaten up on a remote road and his family threatened while campaigning in the state's west.

Police are investigating the incident that shocked both sides of politics, with the premier claiming Mr Dillon was a friend.

"For an LNP candidate, he's a good bloke," Mr Miles said.