Qld Opposition report card: Do they have what it takes?

Our state politics team have given their verdict on the Opposition’s key players with one ministerial hopeful receiving a C-. HAVE YOUR SAY

For the first time since 2012 Queenslanders are in the mood for change.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli clawed the LNP’s vote level with Annastacia Palaszczuk and then beyond – and he hasn’t looked back.

Policy detail remains light and Labor will argue it proves the LNP has no vision and Crisafulli can’t be trusted.

If the government does change, who will join Crisafulli at the top end of the cabinet table?

Here are five of the biggest LNP players likely to influence Queensland’s future.

Overall LNP mark: C+

David Crisafulli: B+

Opposition Leader

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli, Parliament House. Picture: Liam Kidston

Critics scream about his small target strategy but supporters argue it’s just discipline.

Deserves points for unifying a fractured LNP to get the elected, professional and member wings rowing in the same direction.

Hasn’t strayed too far off message in his four years as opposition leader and polls are rewarding him for it.

He’s drip-fed policies over the past 12 months including an ambitious housing plan and the effective slogan ‘adult crime, adult time’ without revealing simple detail – such as how many extra cops would be on the beat under an LNP government?

Marked down for continuing his motherhood statements on the Olympics, health, crime and economic policy just weeks from an election.

Overall: On the verge of becoming premier, wins points for his politics and loses points for his policy.

Jarrod Bleijie: C+

Deputy Leader of the Opposition

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jarrod Bleijie during a news conference. Picture: Liam Kidston

Straps on the helmet and unashamedly leads the LNP’s attacks on the state government – sometimes overreaching.

Beyond pledging to streamline approvals as part of the LNP’s housing plan, policy in Bleijie’s state development portfolio has been light on.

Has carriage of the LNP’s Olympic portfolio, but won’t have an opinion about where the city’s main stadium should be.

The proud monarchist raised eyebrows among his colleagues when he pledged to rename Cross River Rail the Elizabeth Line in honour of her late majesty.

Overall: Will the long-term opposition brawler be able to transition to ministerial statesman?

David Janetzki: C

Shadow Treasurer

Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen

Lives rent free in the treasurer’s head, but Cameron Dick has Janetzki’s measure.

Can count on one hand how many economic questions he’s asked of Dick this term of parliament and has struggled to prosecute the government’s handling of the economy.

Drove the LNP’s housing plan which includes a shared equity scheme and was instrumental in axing stamp duty for first homebuyers up to $700,000 and partial concessions to $800,000.

Yet to release the LNP’s tax policy as Crisafulli says debt and taxes will be lower under his government.

Overall: Without releasing a revenue and debt plan it’s hard to grade this hard worker any higher.

Tim Nicholls B-

Shadow Attorney-General

Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls. Picture: David Clark

One of the gifted members of the LNP with an ability to articulate an argument and work collaboratively.

Has relentlessly prosecuted the government’s bumbling of the Crime and Corruption Commission’s reporting powers – and the associated secrecy of reports into Jackie Trad and Peter Carne.

Credit for his personal health transformation following a heart attack last year.

Overall: Star Entertainment’s regulatory compliance and the CCC’s powers are two issues he’ll have to quickly deal with

Ros Bates: C-

LNP health spokeswoman

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates.

Contributed to bringing down Yvette D’Ath from the health portfolio but has struggled against the more agile Shannon Fentiman.

Outbursts in parliament indicate Labor can get under her skin and colleagues have concerns about her ability to run the behemoth Queensland Health – but Crisafulli is publicly sticking by her.

Deserves credit for prosecuting the needs of patients but loses marks for being unable to elaborate what ‘putting doctors and nurses back in charge’ actually means.

Overall: Had plenty of time to detail how she’d fix the health system, but Queensland is still waiting.

Dan Purdie: C+

LNP police spokesman

Shadow Minister for Police Dan Purdie in Townsville. Picture: Evan Morgan

Has left Crisafulli to lead the charge against Labor on crime – a missed opportunity for this former police officer.

Delivered a poorly worded response when he said the LNP needed to win seats off the back of crime.

Will be responsible for delivering the bold pledge by Crisafulli that victim numbers will be lower under an LNP government.

Faces a challenge to address the heavier workload facing Queensland Police officers as a result of vacancies and slow recruitment.

Overall: Yet to demonstrate he has the ability to transition to the high pressure ministerial role.