"It's the bullying which we don't need in our campaigning or elections in Queensland or Australia. "I would go so far as to say I believe it's on the issue of blackmail." The Newman Government has promised to guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars for projects right across the state, only if the local LNP candidate is elected. They include massive road infrastructure and "urban renewal" commitments in Townsville and Toowoomba along with countless smaller projects from less than $100,000 to a few million.

A review of the projects shows the government hitting key voter pressure points such as school kids and sporting groups in an attempt to shore up seats. Mr Newman has stood by his "LNP MP only" strategy, despite criticism from both opposition MPs and voters who have also labelled it "political blackmail". "I'll be very, very clear," Mr Newman said. "If it's in the candidate or the member's strong local plan, that is the candidate's plan. "And it is dependent on the candidate being elected. That's pretty clear."

The opposition accuses Mr Newman of "threatening" electorates but he says a non-LNP MP could have different priorities. Mr Wellington couldn't point to any LNP conditional commitments on the Sunshine Coast, where his seat of Nicklin is. He said the complaint was on behalf of everyone frustrated with the "bullying and intimidating behaviour". "It's contrary to the whole way we have elections in Queensland and I think it's abuse of power by the Campbell Newman LNP team and they should be brought to account," he said. "I hope the electoral commission will have the strength to thoroughly investigate."

An LNP spokesman said: "Unlike Peter Wellington and Labor, LNP candidates are able to offer their electorates fully costed local plans to benefit their communities as part of their local election platforms." An ECQ spokesman wasn't immediately able to confirm whether the commission would have to investigate the complaint or if similar complaints had been made. - with Amy Remeikis