The retirement of one of Queensland Labor's most seasoned politicians has overshadowed another lacklustre day on the state's campaign trail.
The slow start has also prompted questions over Premier Campbell Newman's apparent reluctance to speak with voters in an unstaged environment.
His campaign strategy is starting to distinguish itself from that of Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has made a point of speaking to almost everyone she comes across.
But her $9 million pledge on Friday to employ 45 full-time guidance officers for the state's high schools took a back seat to news her deputy, Tim Mulherin, was retiring after 20 years in politics.
The Mackay MP cited family and health reasons for his announcement.
A clearly emotional Mr Mulherin said he had to postpone a heart operation after his father died last month, and he wanted to spend time with his wife, sons and elderly mother.
"I just couldn't continue - it wouldn't be fair for me, it wouldn't be fair for the party," he said.
Ms Palaszczuk, who made her second policy announcement of the campaign in Mackay, paid tribute to her "right-hand man" as a "real gentleman".
Mr Mulherin will remain deputy until Queenslanders head to the polls on January 31.
Ms Palaszczuk's captain's pick, Julieanne Gilbert, will stand in his place in Mackay.
The Queensland Teachers Union official will face the task of trying to retain Labor's most marginal seat, held by Mr Mulherin with a 0.5 per cent margin.
Ms Palaszczuk also made a brief stop in Gladstone, where Labor hopes to pick up the seat of retiring independent Liz Cunningham.
In Townsville, Mr Newman continued his strategy of talking up the government's achievements during the first week of the campaign, despite being under pressure to unveil new Liberal National Party policies.
Mr Newman was also forced to defend the stage-managed start to his campaign, during which he has spoken with far fewer voters on the street than Ms Palaszczuk.
"I've been meeting with everyday people for the last four years that I've been either leader of the opposition or in this job," the premier said.
"We've been to lots of different parts of this state and engaged with people, so I have and I will (talk to people in the street)."
Both leaders will put their campaign on hold on Saturday as they attend the funeral of eight children who were found dead in a Cairns home in December.
