Knighthood a 'bolt from the blue': Newman

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's decision to award a knighthood to Prince Philip was a "bolt from the blue", the Queensland premier says.

The move by Mr Abbott, who admitted it was a "captain's call", has stirred derision in Australian and international media and across the political divide.

Premier Campbell Newman said he did not agree with the choice.

"My thoughts are that it was a real bolt from the blue," he said.

Mr Abbott is yet to make an appearance during the Queensland election campaign, which has only three full days to go.

The prime minister has said Mr Newman does not need him to "hold his hand" during the campaign, but his absence has been interpreted by some as an attempt to keep federal issues out of the state arena.