Tests for teachers new in Qld: Nicholls

Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls says his plan to introduce literacy and numeracy tests for teachers is a new policy, despite a similar testing regime being recommended by the federal government.

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham introduced the tests in 2013, however Mr Nicholls says they weren't taken up by the Palaszczuk government.

"In fact it will be new here in Queensland and importantly it's about lifting teacher standards," Mr Nicholls told reporters on Thursday.

"We are introducing a test which is currently under Labor not being provided for our beginning teachers."

Mr Nicholls clarified that the tests he was proposing to introduce would be different from the ones put forward by the federal government.

As part of the education package announced on Thursday, the LNP also promised 1000 new teacher mentors, as well as 80 new paid internships in specialist areas.

They also announced free hearing tests for prep students.

Mr Nicholls made the announcement in Brisbane after touching down following a trip to the state's far north, and ahead of Thursday night's People's Forum debate.

A ReachTEL poll conducted for parents group The Parenthood and published on Thursday showed the LNP leading Labor 52-48 on a two-party preferred basis.

Mr Nicholls said he was focused on putting forward his vision.

"I'm looking forward to being able to talk to Queenslanders about our plans to provide them with jobs, to give them cheaper power, to invest in our state," he said.

Mr Nicholls sidestepped questions about whether One Nation state leader Steve Dickson should be allowed to participate in the debate, while Katter's Australia Party and the Greens weren't, saying it was "a matter for Sky" News.