David Crisafulli is Queensland’s new Premier following a nail-biting election which will see the Liberal National Party in power after 9 years of Labor.
Cost of living, the health crisis, housing and abortion were big issues on the campaign trail but Mr Crisafulli’s tough stance on youth crime, improving health services, respect for taxpayer money and the 100-day review of the Brisbane Olympics won over voters.
On Sky News, former Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk was told by LNP Senator James McGrath that Labor had brought American style politics to the election campaign by ‘weaponising abortion.’
Ms Palaszczuk quipped back saying Mr Crisafulli repeatedly failed to answer questions about his stance on abortion – more than 100 times.
However, that was incorrect. Mr Crisafulli was strong on his rebuttal, “Things will not change under my government and it is not up for discussion,” he said.
The incoming Premier thanked Steven Miles for his service while claiming victory.
“Tonight Queenslanders have voted for hope over fear. They have voted for a fresh start and they have voted for an LNP government,” he said.
“History will show this is the turning point in the youth crime crisis, the health crisis, hope for young people to own their own home again and vulnerable Queenslanders to have a roof over their head.
“To the people of this great state, I’ve lived and I’ve worked at both ends of it and I love every inch of it.
“I want this state to return as the economic powerhouse of the country.”
Steven Miles was Premier for under a year after taking over from Ms Palaszczuk, and was aiming to win a fourth term for Labor with his awkward persona which was affectionately referred to as the ‘daggy dad,’ winning over voters and the media.
The outgoing Premier thanked supporters, including the trade unions and how influential they had been during the campaign.
“Queenslanders, I gave this election everything I had. Watching the results tonight, that hasn’t been enough to secure a majority of seats for Labor.
“It was always going to be a challenging election… but I have no regrets about the campaign or the last 10 months as Premier.”
In an unprecedented speech, he did not concede loss nor congratulate Mr Crisafulli or the LNP on the win.
With a hung parliament a real possibility hours after polls closed, the LNP charged ahead with swings against Labor in several seats after Pre-poll was counted.
In a surprising upset, the Greens are currently sitting at zero seats.
The seat of Capalaba was won by LNP candidate Russell Field, who lost his son Matthew, and Matthew’s pregnant fiance Kate, when they were killed by a drunk and high juvenile in a stolen car.
“My main goal has always been to get justice for victims,” he said.
