Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has leapt to the defence of Tony Abbott, saying he was "surprised" the Prime Minister had been criticised for not visiting Queensland, and adding the state LNP did not need federal help.

Mr Truss was on the Gold Coast with state Treasurer Tim Nicholls on Monday to announce a $74 million exit upgrade to the M1.

But Mr Abbott's absence quickly became a major issue. Mr Truss, who is acting Prime Minister while Mr Abbott takes holidays, said it was unfair.

"I have been surprised about this criticism of the Prime Minister not having been to Queensland. When the election was announced he was in Iraq visiting our troops and in the UAE talking about how we were going to deal with the horrors of the Islamic State. When he came back the Adelaide fires were on and he had to visit South Australia," he said.