Opinion: LNP celebrating but still chance to lose October election

The LNP is partying like it’s 2012 as the starter’s gun fires on the most important 223 days of Steven Miles and David Crisafulli’s lives. But Opposition MPs should keep their feet on the ground, writes Hayden Johnson.

The LNP is partying like it’s 2012 as the starter’s gun fires on the most important 223 days of Steven Miles and David Crisafulli’s lives.

For almost a decade Queensland conservatives have had very little to celebrate in the state arena as they were starved in the political wilderness by a firebrand Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor machine.

Saturday’s by-election reinvigorates the Liberal-National experiment and offers optimism to moderate conservatives across Australia.

Premier Steven Miles faces the media following a huge swing in weekend by-elections. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

This first sniff of victory will lead to a consciousness within the LNP leadership to keep its giddy MPs grounded.

They’re chuffed with the poleaxing of Labor in its heartland on Saturday to put pressure firmly on the premier to strike back.

The LNP remains the underdog in the October election due to its historic ability to lose the unlosable.

A split in the party, coupled with Covid-10, cruelly robbed Deb Frecklington from mounting a significant challenge against Ms Palaszczuk in 2020.

Mr Crisafulli on Sunday struck a humble tone and remained welded to his worn talking points.

By-elections hurt governments, but there’s a risk Labor will consider Saturday’s bruising result as simply a protest vote.

Jarrod Bleijie and David Crisafulli having coffee in Ipswich on Sunday morning. Picture Lachie Millard

As Queenslanders demand real action, the premier has pledged to listen more.

In Ipswich West a lack of polling meant operatives on both sides were forced to rely on the “vibe” of voters.

That vibe, as one senior government MP put it, was positive as they reported no sign of the anger directed at Campbell Newman during a similar poll in 2015.

What they didn’t pick up was the silent fury held by voters with Labor.

They ignored how-to-vote cards to walk in quietly and deliver the government a major black eye.

Parliament will resume next week with the wind in the LNP’s sails and a renewed effort by the government to bring them down.

Game on.