Mr Abbott, who returned from holidays this week, is yet to make an appearance on the Queensland campaign for the election announced on January 6. He also missed the Liberal National Party campaign launch on Sunday.

Mr Abbott has been accused of being election poison and was blamed by some for being partly responsible for the Victorian coalition losing last November's state election.

Mr Abbott said Mr Newman was "a very strong premier with a strong team and a strong plan for a stronger Queensland" who could run his own race.

But he said if there was a joint announcement to be made, he and Mr Newman would make it.

"I've made lots of joint announcements with Campbell in the past and I'll certainly be making lots of joint announcements with Campbell in the future."