Campbell Newman clashes with James McGrath in heated back and forth

The former premier and the journalist engaged in a heated debate on ABC's Q&A

Newman accused McGrath of being a "Labor stooge" and McGrath called Newman a "bully"

Former Queensland premier Campbell Newman and journalist James McGrath clashed in a heated debate on ABC's Q&A on Monday night.

The pair traded barbs over Newman's record as premier, with McGrath accusing him of being a "bully" and Newman calling McGrath a "Labor stooge".

The debate began when McGrath asked Newman about his decision to sack 14,000 public servants during his time as premier.

Newman defended his decision, saying it was necessary to reduce the state's debt and deficit.

"We had to make some tough decisions," Newman said.

"We had to reduce the size of the public service, and we had to reduce the cost of government."

McGrath challenged Newman's claims, saying the sackings had a devastating impact on the state's economy.

"You destroyed the Queensland economy," McGrath said.

"You lost 14,000 jobs, and you sent the state into recession."

Newman denied McGrath's claims, saying the state's economy was growing under his leadership.

"The economy was growing under my leadership," Newman said.

"We had record levels of investment, and we created more jobs than any other state in Australia."

The debate continued in a similar vein, with Newman and McGrath trading barbs over a range of issues, including Newman's decision to close down the Queensland Health payroll system and his relationship with the mining industry.

The debate ended with Newman accusing McGrath of being a "Labor stooge" and McGrath calling Newman a "bully".