Labor candidate praises Gillard's strength in tough week
LABOR'S candidate for the seat of Capricornia on Friday praised Prime Minister Julia Gillard's strength as a leader, despite the turmoil within Labor's ranks on Thursday.
Moranbah miner and Isaac Regional Councillor Peter Freeleagus was in Rockhampton on a road trip around the 90,000sq km electorate of Capricornia.
Cr Freeleagus said while some people doubt Ms Gillard's ability, they didn't see that it was her ability to successfully steer her minority government that made her a good leader.
"If you've got a clean bill when you control both houses, all you've got to worry about the protesters outside parliament," Cr Freeleagus said.
"But when you've got to negotiate, and negotiate hard, to get good outcomes and put social justice into the system - that's the test. That is the true test of a good leader."
He said it was also unfair that Ms Gillard, like other female leaders, suffered more scrutiny because of their gender.
"It doesn't matter that's it male or female, the person that puts their hand up, everybody does the best of their ability."
As Cr Freeleagus speaks to people across the region, he has discovered many people are concerned about job security, 457 visas, the Bruce Highway, and aged care.
"It's a drive and listen to see what the region wants," he said.
Cr Freeleagus said he would continue travelling throughout Capricornia and Rockhampton would see him again soon.
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