Premier David Crisafulli shares near-miss story of his swearing-in ceremony

David Crisafulli has opened up about his chaotic near-miss on his first day as Queensland premier.

Premier David Crisafulli has his first ministry is sworn in by Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, at Government House, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has shared the nailbiting tale of how a last-minute travel mishap almost robbed his parents of witnessing his swearing-in ceremony.

During an interview with B105’s Stav, Abby, and Matt, Crisafulli revealed that his parents,

Karen and Antonino “Tony” Crisafulli, who live in Ingham, North Queensland, faced flight delays that almost kept them from celebrating their son’s big day in Brisbane.

“My mother, who likes to turn up about three hours early for everything, the plane the night before got cancelled, and they couldn’t get on the early flight the day after,” Crisafulli told B105.

“They flew in at 11.30am and the ceremony started at midday, so they literally had to go straight from the airport, they got to government house with two minutes to spare.”

Premier David Crisafulli has his first ministry is sworn in by Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, at Government House, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

Entering his second week in the top job, 45-year-old Crisafulli also revealed that he won’t be easing up on his famously rigorous fitness regimen.

Despite his demanding new role, the Premier shared with the B105 hosts that he’s staying committed to his early-morning workouts, which begin at 3.30am — a routine that co-host Abby Coleman found hard to fathom.

“When the boys and I started this show … We had high hopes. We used to actually get up and go for a run at 3.30am in the morning,” she said.

“We don’t do that anymore, because that was ridiculous, but I heard that you get up and go to the gym at 3.30am is this going to be something that you’re going to maintain?”

New Queensland premier David Crisafulli likes to be an early riser with a walk or a run to start his day Picture Instagram

With a laugh, Crisafulli confidently assured listeners he wouldn’t be giving up his pre-dawn workouts anytime soon.

“The one thing is, I’m not doing without it, because I’ve got Italian genes, so I only have to look at pasta,” he joked.

“I’m determined not to become another rollie pollie politician.”

Reflecting on the transition into his new role, Crisafulli expressed empathy for former Premier Steven Miles and his team, who faced the difficult reality of losing their positions as he took office.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli pictured at a meeting in Mackay on Sunday 3rd November 2024 Picture Supplied

“I’ve been on the other end of it too, right? It’s not it’s not easy,” he revealed.

“I made the point on election night that you’ve got to take the time to say thank you to the people who served and lost their jobs, because just because you don’t agree with them politically doesn’t mean that they’re not a good human being … it doesn’t mean that their families aren’t really, really hurting. So that transition is always it’s always a difficult thing.”

Voicing relief at leaving the election’s negativity behind, Crisafulli emphasised his commitment to governing inclusively.

“You’ve got to govern for everyone — You govern for the people who voted for you, who didn’t vote for you, the people who might vote for you next time, the people will never vote for you. But in the end, we’re all Queenslanders,” he said.

B105's Stav Davidson, Abby Coleman and Matty Acton with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Photo: Instagram/@b105brisbane

Crisafulli also promised to honour his campaign pledges, including ambitious plans for the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games.

He stressed the importance of improving Queensland’s infrastructure in preparation for the event, with a focus on accessibility.

Karen and Tony Crisafulli narrowly made the ceremony.

“We need to make sure we put on a world class games, and that people are proud of it. But I’m not walking away from what I said before the election, and that is that the focus has got to be on that generational infrastructure. It has to be about road and rail and a 20 year tourism plan,” he explained, seeing the Olympics as a catalyst for long-term change.

“For minimal investment, we can enhance accessibility, which will improve quality of life for decades,” he explained, seeing the Olympics as a catalyst for long-term change.”

Originally published as Premier David Crisafulli shares near-miss story of his swearing-in ceremony