Labor on life support after Queensland election as Campbell Newman sweeps in
HAIL the new man of Queensland state politics. Campbell Newman completed an unprecedented assault and guided his LNP to a storming election victory.
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HAIL the new man of Queensland state politics. Campbell Newman completed an unprecedented assault from outside Parliament and guided his Liberal National Party to a storming election victory last night.
He easily won Ashgrove on primary votes from Labor rival Kate Jones to become Queensland's Premier-elect and saw LNP candidates dump most ministers from the previous Bligh government.
The man of the moment knew victory was in the bag before 7pm but delayed his acceptance speech at Brisbane's Hilton Hotel until former premier Anna Bligh surfaced at Labor HQ in South Brisbane to concede defeat at 8.15pm.
His progression to the stage was slowed by delirious supporters who wanted to lay hands on their hero.
At 8.46pm, claiming victory, an emotional Mr Newman thanked "all Queenslanders" for "voting for change". Then he acknowledged the people of Ashgrove.
"We will keep our promises and we will not let you down. You have spoken decisively and emphatically and delivered a strong government so we can deliver for you and get this great state back on track," Mr Newman said, flanked by his family.
"We are all humbled by the responsibility you have given us, a responsibility that weighs heavily but is cheerfully accepted.
"I pledge to you that we will conduct ourselves with humility, grace and dignity. We will work for all Queenslanders, regardless of their vote today.
"We don't underestimate the task ahead. It will be hard, it will be long, but we will get on with the job. The job starts tomorrow morning."
Mr Newman paid special tribute to Ms Bligh, acknowledging her "inspirational leadership" through the 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi and led the applause. He also acknowledged his opponent and thanked Ms Jones for her "service and hard work".
Labor appeared to be reduced to a netball team of seven, a far cry from the cricket team most political commentators had predicted.
The LNP looked like inflicting a staggering 16 per cent swing against Labor. Ms Bligh had been in the fight of her political life in her own South Brisbane seat, with little-known LNP candidate Clem Grehan leading for most of the night. But Ms Bligh snuck ahead with about a quarter of the count remaining.
A smiling, surprisingly upbeat Ms Bligh said Queensland voters had made their choice clear.
"It's absolutely clear tonight that Queenslanders have spoken with the strongest possible voice and they have voted for a change of government," she said. "I congratulate the Liberal National Party on what has been a historic victory."
She had special praise for her deputy, Andrew Fraser, who faced defeat in Mount Coot-tha, describing him as "one of the most decent human beings I have ever met".
Ms Bligh said the controversial asset sales were absolutely necessary in the global financial crisis in order to hold on to jobs and she had no regrets.
Robbie Katter, federal Independent Bob Katter's son, and Shane Knuth were buoyed by early counting and looked set to bring Katter's Australian Party its first two seats.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard last night congratulated Mr Newman. "The Gillard government has a big reform agenda and we will deliver for Queenslanders working with the new LNP government in areas such as health, education, skills, infrastructure and the rollout of the NBN (National Broadband Network) as we build a strong economy for the future," she said.
