On day three of the federal election campaign it became clear the government’s changes to superannuation may come back to haunt it. Some backbenchers are said to be white hot with anger fearing they’ll lose votes and their concerns have gained momentum. Today Bill Shorten stayed in Queensland while Malcolm Turnbull tried to talk jobs in Western Sydney.

Mary-Clare Simpson reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Labor leader, Bill Shorten, was in Mackay today and continued his focus on education funding.

But he didn’t miss the opportunity to attack the Liberals over tensions from last year’s leadership coup.

MP, Fiona Scott, has refused to say whether she voted for Malcolm Turnbull despite now campaigning alongside him.

Bill Shorten, Opposition Leader: “The divisions in the Liberal Party were again today on display because she famously was supported by Tony Abbott.”

Malcolm Turnbull was however quick to defend her.

Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister: “Those party room ballets are secret ballets so that people can confidently make a choice.”

He was keen to talk about the economy, but reported anger among his own backbenchers over changes to superannuation, overshadowed that.

Nevertheless Malcolm Turnbull kept hammering home the party’s campaign slogan.

Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister: “It’s exciting, I’m pumped up. I’m enjoying getting out there talking about jobs and growth.”

That slogan will almost certainly get a workout over the next seven and a half weeks until the election on July 2.

Mary-Clare Simpson, QUT News.