Warren Truss Comment: Newman Government Ministers Respond Federal National Party leader Warren Truss. The energy minister believes Warren Truss's comments were "uncalled for," while the education minister says they were just "light-hearted." Either way, it was clear Newman government ministers had received the memo on how to respond to questions regarding the Federal Coalition deputy leader's comments that the electorate's mood towards the party was generally positive "unless it's the day after Newman has closed a hospital." News Ltd reported Mr Truss made the comment during a talk at the LNP state convention gala dinner on Friday night and Premier Campbell Newman reacted by leaving before dessert was served. As ministers filed in for cabinet on Monday, the message was clear - 'Mr Truss was wrong, but Queenslanders understand Mr Newman has had to make some tough decisions'. "It was uncalled for, unwarranted and I say to Mr Truss he should be focusing now on Kevin Rudd and keeping him out of Canberra and out of the Lodge as well," Energy Minister Mark McArdle said. This was a statement that actually was borne out of incorrect information. I have absolutely no doubt that Campbell Newman has added significantly to the Coalition's chances. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the quip should not be taken out of context. "It was a light hearted conversation with both Tony Abbott and Warren Truss and I think those comments should be taken in that spirit," Mr Langbroek said. It was just something that was said in a sitting-on-the-couch interview with two people and I think it should be taken in that context Of course he's [Mr Truss] not right because it's been very clear the premier's stepped in when there was potential hospital closures in rural Queensland and he said it wasn't going to happen. Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said he didn't think Mr Truss had made the comment maliciously. I think that Mr Truss was wrong ... I don't think he was particularly malicious in relation to his intent," he said. The election campaign for the Federal Coalition needs to focus on drawing to the attention of all Australia and particularly Queensland that we need a change of government in Canberra. However Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey had a different line. "I was at the dinner on Friday, but I don't recall the specific comments," she said.