State Labor needs to seize sensible centre

While the Federal poll on the weekend was predominantly fought on national issues, there are implications for the Palaszczuk Government and its LNP opponents. The Premier has to change course if she wants to remain in power, writes The Editor.

THERE are messages for political leaders in every election.

While the Federal poll on the weekend was predominantly fought on national issues, there are implications for the Palaszczuk Government and its LNP opponents.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has so far attempted to play down those implications.

She’s claimed on Sunday that her crestfallen comrade Bill Shorten lost the election because of an over-complicated message.

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Ms Palaszczuk has insisted that voters wanted jobs and her Government would now redouble its efforts on this front, whatever that means.

However, Ms Palaszczuk would be wise to think deeper about Labor’s election shellacking.

It is clear she should act swiftly and decisively to alter the direction of her meandering administration rather than offer more glib, meaningless lines.

With 18 months left before the next state election, Queenslanders have, effectively, put the Palaszczuk Government on notice.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier Jackie Trad. Picture: AAP/Glenn Hunt

Federal Labor suffered a 3.6 per cent primary vote swing against it in Queensland.

The party’s vote was only marginally better than the devastating 2012 state election result that saw state Labor reduced to a paltry seven seats.

Obviously, Mr Shorten’s class warfare, wealth redistribution and costly climate change agenda jarred with working class and aspirational Queenslanders.

Federal Labor’s bob-each-way approach to Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine also played a significant part.

Former state Labor ministers Robert Schwarten and Bob Gibbs have publicly voiced their concerns, urging Ms Palaszczuk to approve the mine and reconnect with working Queenslanders.

Many other party figures are privately echoing this sentiment.

What has been forgot by many within the Palaszczuk Government is that they were re-elected with a very lean primary vote and many of the seats they won came courtesy of One Nation’s decision to preference against sitting LNP members.

Former Rockhampton Labor MP Robert Schwarten.

There is also a false belief that the Government can continue to ride on the coat-tails of the Premier’s popularity and when the going gets tough all Ms Palaszczuk has to do is simply announce another movie deal or statue of a footballer.

However, the Federal election results show Labor is getting squeezed by conservative forces in outer urban areas and regional Queensland and the Greens in inner-city seats.

And there’s a strong likelihood that similar will occur at a state level given Ms Palaszczuk has allowed her Government to be hijacked by a Left-wing and union agenda that is anathema to many voters but will never satisfy the Greens.

The results from Saturday night should buoy LNP Leader Deb Frecklington.

But she has much work to do to gain the trust of Queenslanders before she can emulate Scott Morrison’s success and win over voters in the north and south of the state.

The Federal election demonstrated that governing for this big, diverse state is getting harder.

However, the clear message from Mr Morrison’s victory is that those prepared to govern from the sensible centre and pursue policies that appeal to the aspirations of the many can count on the support of Queenslanders.

FAREWELL THE HUMBLE HERO

THE most admirable feature of Cooper Cronk’s illustrious career was it never seemed to be about him.

The Brisbane-raised rugby league great, who announced his retirement yesterday, was once an apprentice plumber and he never lost that blue-collar work ethic or sense that his destiny was to serve those around him.

In an era in which team loyalty is a fast-fading commodity and where senior stars are often too busy to mentor youngsters, Cronk embodied the best traits the game could offer.

When he arrived at the Sydney Roosters, rather than protect his own legacy in the final two years of his career, his first words to coach Trent Robinson were “how can I help you?’’

Cronk was a wonderful role model for emerging players because he proved hard work can turn goodness into greatness.

He was not a born superstar and for youngsters that made him only more relatable and inspiring.

He could not spin on a dime like Johnathan Thurston, power through tackles like Greg Inglis or, initially, throw passes like Wally Lewis, yet through sheer willpower he became the complete package who did everything well.

And he shared his secrets with the next generation, the mark of a fine man whose contribution to the game will never be forgotten.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Sam Weir, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us