QLD bets on LNP
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David Crisafulli will be Queensland's new Premier, ending Labor's decade-long reign.
Crisafulli will be formally sworn in today at Government House.
The incoming Premier has announced plans to form an interim ministry alongside his deputy, Jarrod Bleijie, with the full cabinet expected to be finalised later this week.
During the campaign, Crisafulli promised to include all shadow ministers in the cabinet, maintaining their existing portfolios.
However, he acknowledged the possibility of adjustments, saying; “I think you’ll afford me the opportunity to speak directly to them, I think it’s important that I do that”.
A decision on the next parliament's speaker is also anticipated as the government readies for two parliamentary sittings before the end of the year, prioritising proposed crime legislation.
Crisafulli has vowed to enact the LNP’s “Making Queensland Safer” laws by the end of the year.
The LNP’s campaign, which heavily focused on regional representation, resulted in a projected majority of seats in parliament, with the party claiming more than 50 seats - exceeding the 47 needed for majority.
The new cabinet is expected to feature a strong regional presence, reflecting the LNP's pre-election pledge to enhance regional voices within government.
Crisafulli himself hails from Far North Queensland and holds the Gold Coast seat of Broadwater.
Outgoing Premier Steven Miles resigned on Sunday, following the LNP's victory.
Miles has expressed a desire to remain as Labor leader despite the election loss, acknowledging the need to “reconnect with Queenslanders”, particularly in regional areas.
Senior Labor figures, including Shannon Fentiman and Cameron Dick, support his bid to continue leading the party.
The election saw Labor suffer significant losses in regional Queensland, with the LNP capturing key seats in Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, and other areas.
Crisafulli, who has been in Queensland politics since Campbell Newman’s tenure as Premier, said he would provide the state “with a government that does work for them”.
The LNP’s campaign was heavily focused on youth justice reform, with Crisafulli promising to jail youth offenders for longer periods of time, and mandate education for all juveniles in detention.
However, experts have raised concerns over the feasibility of such reforms amid ongoing staff shortages in youth detention centres.