David Crisafulli, leader of the Liberal National Party (LNP), has claimed victory in the Queensland election, marking the end of Labor’s 10-year rule.
The LNP’s campaign, driven by hardline promises to address youth crime, secured a narrow majority, falling short of predictions of a landslide win.
In a speech at Brisbane’s W Hotel, Crisafulli declared, “Queenslanders voted for hope over fear,” emphasising his commitment to addressing the youth crime crisis with plans to introduce “adult crime, adult time” legislation by Christmas.
This election result represents the first time since 1989 that the LNP has won a state poll.
The victory was largely attributed to breaking Labor’s long-standing control of central Queensland’s heartland seats, although the LNP struggled to gain ground in Brisbane. Crisafulli, who has led a disciplined opposition since taking over after Labor’s 2020 victory during the COVID-19 pandemic, declared,
“Elections are about people and doing good for those who don’t have a voice.”
The LNP’s focus on crime policy, particularly its pledge to reform the Youth Justice Act, was central to Crisafulli’s campaign. Despite warnings from experts that many of these proposals lack supporting evidence, Crisafulli has committed to reducing crime victim numbers or resigning in four years if he fails to deliver on his promises.
Labor, led by Steven Miles, fought hard during the campaign, particularly in Brisbane, where it managed to stave off predicted challenges from the Greens in inner-city seats. However, with the LNP projected to win at least 49 seats, Labor’s decade-long rule has come to an end.
Miles, who had taken over from Annastacia Palaszczuk just 10 months ago, expressed pride in his time as premier, saying, “Being Queensland’s premier for 10 months has been the greatest honour of my life.” Despite Labor’s defeat, Miles has indicated his intention to continue leading the party from opposition.
The LNP’s primary vote of 41.8% marks its highest result since the 2012 landslide, while Labor’s primary vote fell to 32.9%, a significant swing from the 2020 election.
In his victory speech, Crisafulli signalled his ambition to lead the LNP to a second term in 2028, invoking the iconic words of former Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam: “It’s time.” Crisafulli pledged to govern with “humility, decency, vision, and tenacity” and to deliver “extremely good outcomes for everyday people.”
The incoming premier is poised to take Queensland in a new direction, but the real test of his leadership will begin as the LNP sets out to deliver on its ambitious promises.
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