The coalition's campaign in the Longman by-election in Queensland has started in negative territory, potentially pointing to the long-term strategy for the next federal election.
A campaign ad targeting Labor's Susan Lamb, who was forced to resign over her dual citizenship, was launched on Tuesday ahead of the July 28 by-election.
The video ad features Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who the coalition believes is not popular among voters, in a similar campaign that Labor used featuring Tony Abbott before he was rolled as prime minister.
It also targets rising car thefts in the electorate, the possibility of renewed refugee boat arrivals, and Labor's changes to share dividend imputation.
The coalition believes it has a chance to snatch Longman using One Nation preferences, which went heavily to Labor in 2016.
The government is also a chance in Braddon in Tasmania and Mayo in South Australia, but Labor looks set to retain two West Australian seats in the Super Saturday by-elections.
