Newman takes on Abbott over ADF pay rise

The Queensland premier has challenged Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the paltry rise handed to defence force personnel.

Campbell Newman says Australia's servicemen and women deserve at least a CPI pay increase, and he wrote to Mr Abbott at least a fortnight ago about this issue.

"I felt that matter should be examined. I think they deserve at least a CPI pay increase," he told reporters in Brisbane.

"So that's my position, I'd hope the federal government can do better than that for people who've served the country so well."

The independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal approved a below-inflation pay rise earlier this week.

Palmer United Party senator Jacqui Lambie has threatened to vote against all government legislation if Australia's 57,000 soldiers, sailors and air force personnel are not given more.

Mr Newman is a former army major and his electorate covers the Enoggera Barracks, one of Queensland's biggest army bases.