One year down, three to go for Crisafulli Government

This month marks 12 months since the election of the Crisafulli Government. During this period, it has focused on key election commitments such as fighting youth crime, reducing ambulance ramping and improving infrastructure productivity. 

These issues – and others – can’t be resolved overnight, so the government will maintain momentum on these key pillars throughout its term.

Perhaps the government’s biggest political achievement has been diffusing the thorny issue of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Although some Queenslanders remain sceptical of the Games’ value, particularly locating the official stadium at Victoria Park, the government has thus far managed the issue as best as it can. The general feeling among the public seems to be ‘let’s just get on with it’. The issue may still cause political headaches, but the Premier would be satisfied with how it has played out in his first 12 months. 

More recently, the wedge issue of progressive coal royalties has reared its head. Several large mining companies have cited the tax – the highest in the world – as the principal reason for reducing workforce numbers in Queensland mines. 

The government is doggedly sticking to its pre-election commitment to leave the royalty regime unchanged during this electoral term. However, it would be mindful that these job losses are, or will be, occurring in regional seats it won from Labor 12 months ago. This will continue to be a delicate issue requiring careful navigation by the government.

The Opposition, meanwhile, is continuing to adjust to life outside government. Interestingly, not a single Labor MP has previously experienced life on the Opposition benches. Aside from not being in power, this also means life without the extensive resources – such as ministerial staff and government departments – that come with incumbency. 

Being a first-term Opposition is never easy. The troops are often deflated by defeat, they’re up against a fresh government with no baggage, and finding an agenda is difficult. 

Having said that, in the past 11 years, we’ve seen one-term governments in Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia and, of course, the Newman Government in Queensland … all of which were all on the blue side of politics. You can bet David Crisafulli is determined his government will not be added to that list in October 2028.