Australian politicians prepare for federal election campaign in Queensland

Politicians from Australia's two major parties are preparing for their campaign to win key marginal seats in Queensland ahead of the September 7 federal election, local media reported on Monday.

The ruling Labor Party currently holds eight of Queensland's 30 federal electorates and needs to win extra seats in the state to make up for possible opposition coalition gains interstate if it is to stay in power.

Labor is hoping the return of Kevin Rudd to the Labor leadership will win back some of the seats that were lost to the Liberal National Party (LNP) at the 2010 election under Julia Gillard's leadership, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Labor is trying to make the most of Rudd's personal appeal in his home state, hoping LNP Premier Campbell Newman's unpopular budget will turn away voters from the coalition.

However, the LNP, which currently holds 20 seats in Queensland, is trying to hold on to its marginal seats.