Opinion: While Queenslanders fight to survive, politicians fight for power

With a quarter of young Queenslanders approaching breaking point, it’s clear it’s not all avocado toast and TikTok dances, writes Taylah Fellows.

A good chunk of Queenslanders are tap-dancing on the precipice of financial disaster.

The results of this YouGov poll confirms keeping the lights on and the pantry stocked has become a high-stakes game of financial Jenga.

The real battlers are the young Queenslanders taking repeated financial hits, now on the brink of a knockout.

With nearly a quarter of them approaching breaking point, it’s clear early adulthood isn’t all avocado toast and TikTok dances.

It’s a pointed reminder for both Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli as they head to the polls in just a few short months that voters both young and old will be fired up and eager for real action on the cost of living and housing crisis.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition leader David Crisafulli.

And while residents pitch tents in parks, we have a state and federal Labor government that can’t even come together to use an empty 500-bed facility to take people off the streets – even with two elections around the corner.

But fear not, dear citizens, for the premier is riding in on his white horse with promises of budgetary relief.

He’s using phrases like “biggest cost of living relief package” and will throw political sweeteners like confetti at a parade.

By his side is trusty Treasurer Cameron Dick, who’s ready to throw Queensland further into debt to keep your household in surplus.

Voters haven’t heard a peep from the LNP about whether the government’s $3bn Homes for Queenslanders package – which ambitiously aims for one million homes by 2046 – will continue if they win.

While politicians duke it out over who’s best to deliver the most relief, the people of Queensland fight to keep a roof over their heads.

With nearly 40 per cent of them sweating over making rent or mortgage payments, it’s clear there’s no vacancy on struggle street.