David Crisafulli to warn LNP ministers of booby traps, black holes’ potentially left by Labor

Incoming LNP ministers will be warned to go over department briefs with a fine-tooth comb amid concerns over hidden project blowouts and “wasteful” programs.

LNP leader David Crisafulli and his deputy Jarrod Bleijie outside 1 William Street in Brisbane. Picture: Tertius Pickard

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Incoming LNP ministers will be warned to be wary of political “booby traps” left by Labor to destabilise the infant Crisafulli government.

Labor exits office after nine years overseeing a behemoth 260,000-person public service and tens of thousands of programs and budget line items.

It has prompted concern within the LNP that the outgoing administration has secretly left political bombs in the form of project blowouts and “wasteful” programs they will have to diffuse.

It’s understood the LNP holds concerns about possible cost blowouts on the state’s $11bn, six-year hospital Capacity Expansion Program and major infrastructure projects across the state.

It is also unaware of Labor’s talks with embattled casino giant Star Entertainment Group, which is seeking a financial lifeline in the form of a payroll tax concession.

The LNP’s incoming ministers will be warned by Premier David Crisafulli to go over department briefs with a fine-tooth comb.

“We’re fully expecting some black holes and booby traps,” one LNP source said.

“We’re not going to miss the opportunity to drag everything out into the light.”

They key, they said, would be understanding “the baseline position behind all Labor’s politics”. 

The LNP is expected to use any discoveries to apply the blowtorch to new opposition leader Steven Miles.

Former Premier Steven Miles with former Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Adam Head

He along with senior leaders Shannon Fentiman and Cameron Dick, will face attacks from the LNP about their time in office.

“They’ll be able to drag out all the bodies buried by those three, Miles, Dick and Fentiman,” another LNP source said.

Understanding the state of Queensland’s budget position will be the priority of incoming treasurer David Janetzki, who will be sworn in along with his ministerial colleagues on Friday.

Mr Janetzki is expected to terminate the tenure of Under Treasurer Michael Carey.

The appointment of Mr Carey, a former ministerial staffer to Labor Treasurer Mr Dick, prompted criticism from the LNP.

The incoming government will also have to contend with a significant threat by major unions demanding more than $1bn in unbudgeted pay rises for its frontline members.

Queensland Council of Unions secretary Jacqueline King wrote to Mr Crisafulli during the campaign to reveal the labour movement would demand pay increases above an annual rate of 2.5 per cent for the next three years.

Mr Miles was contacted for comment.