A visit to a Queensland pub has backfired on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull after voters turned on him over penalty rates and the ABC one day before crucial byelections that will decide the government’s majority in Parliament.

Mr Turnbull was campaigning in the Queensland seat of Longman when his attempt to meet voters at a Bribie Island hotel turned into policy disagreements that highlighted potential weaknesses for the government when voters go to the polls on Saturday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and local resident Toni Lea gesture at each other at the Sandstone Point Hotel ahead of the Longman byelection. Credit:AAP

The setback highlighted the risks of going beyond press conferences and other "safe" media events on a day when Opposition Leader Bill Shorten chose not to meet voters in any of the five byelection seats.