Premier’s shock 369-day campaign launch in flashy taxpayer-funded video

In a slick video message, funded by taxpayers, Annastacia Palaszczuk has vowed not to “give in”, despite previous polling putting Labor on track to lose the 2024 state election. SEE THE VIDEO

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Annastacia Palaszczuk has moved to cement her leadership and launched a 369-day election campaign by releasing a plea to Queenslanders to trust her for another four years.

In an unusual campaign pitch 12 months before the state heads to the polls, Ms Palaszczuk voiced and released a high-production, taxpayer-funded video trumpeting the government’s achievements and asking voters to give her a fourth term.

In it, the Premier insists she has “a lot more to do” in the top job, amid leadership rumblings and polling putting Labor on track to lose the election.

Stills from the Premier’s campaign launch video. Pictures: Supplied

She pledges not to “give in”, despite previous polling putting Labor on track to lose the next election.

“We are building a better Queensland one the world is only just discovering; let’s keep going as our best days are still ahead of us,” she said.

“Our plans work and I’m determined to see them through.

“If you know me, you know I don’t give in, no matter what – you give me that strength.”

A spokesman for the Premier said the video was produced internally “with no added expense to taxpayers”.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The Premier, approaching nine years in the top job and now asking voters for another four, said she continued to draw strength from everyone “who stops me with a kind word” and their “show of support on social media”.

It notes her humble beginnings growing up in Durack and her grandfather’s work ethic to provide for their family.

“He did the very best he could for his family and I want the best for every single family in this state,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It’s why I got into politics.”

Premier's flash, taxpayer-funded campaign video.

The three-minute video centres on Ms Palaszczuk’s longevity and experience as Premier since 2015.

It also reiterates her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, which secured Labor a third election victory in 2020, with an increased majority.

“We’ve been through a lot together, floods, cyclones, bushfires to something we have never had to deal with before, a global pandemic,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“But even that brought us closer.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The Premier’s pitch to voters one year from the state election came on the same day Opposition Leader David Crisafulli released his “Right Priorities” blueprint, which will anchor the LNP’s campaign to win government for the first time since 2012.

Ms Palaszczuk is expected to battle the election on cost of living, energy and jobs and infrastructure.

Mr Crisafulli on Monday declared the opposition was “hungry to serve”.

“After three terms and seeking 14 years in office, I think Queenslanders understand there is a better way and they need to know that their priorities are our priorities,” he said.

“They’ve never struggled more to pay the rent, they’ve never felt more unsafe in their homes and they’ve never been more worried about the health system.”

A still from the Premier's campaign launch video. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Premier’s shock 369-day campaign launch in flashy taxpayer-funded video