Hanson gave people someone to blame: MP

Embattled Liberal MP Ewen Jones says Pauline Hanson gave his electorate someone to blame in the face of rising unemployment.

It's still too close to call in the MP's North Queensland seat of Herbert but he insists there's still a long way to go with pre-poll and postal votes expected to work in the coalition's favour.

One Nation has played a part in the swing against Mr Jones, taking more than 13 per cent of the primary vote so far.

Mr Jones says Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull visited Townsville encouraging people to be brave and embrace change.

He was talking about what the city would look like in 2050 - a message hard to swallow for the city's unemployed.

"What people like Pauline Hanson offer in a place like Townsville which is going through some tough times - she gives you someone to blame," he told Sky News.

"They can't do anything about the problem but they do let you protest about it."