YouGov poll reveals Labor’s budget announcements fail to win over Queensland voters

Labor’s $3bn cost of living spending spree has been welcomed by Queenslanders, but it won’t have won enough votes come October, exclusive Courier-Mail polling reveals.

• Analysis: Run left too late

Queenslanders have welcomed the government’s $3bn cost of living cash splash - but it won’t be enough to win Labor votes.

YouGov polling commissioned by The Courier-Mail shows the $1000 electricity rebate announced by Treasurer Cameron Dick in May influenced a significant portion of voters, with 55 per cent indicating they are now more likely to vote Labor.

But the same polling shows Labor’s primary vote has dropped to 26 per cent, the lowest level in 131 years.

Support for cheaper electricity bills has been relatively uniform across all regions and age groups, with slightly more women (61 per cent) admitting to being won over by the handout than men (48 per cent).

Unsurprisingly, the $2.5bn energy police had strong backing from Labor voters (77 per cent), while the majority of LNP voters (65 per cent) are opposed.

The government’s 50c fare campaign proved less influential among voters, with the majority unfazed by the six-month public transport trial.

Premier Steven Miles announced the government would spend $150m to make all TransLink public transport services in the state 50c from August 5, expected to save commuters thousands.

Labor has failed to win over voters with its $3bn cost of living cash splash.

Mr Miles said the fare discount would also help unclog Queensland’s congestion crippled roads and promised the policy would be re-evaluated next year if Labor is re-elected.

Metropolitan residents who will arguably get more money’s worth from the six-month trial were in stronger support of the fare deal with over half saying it could impact their vote compared to one third of regional voters.

Car registration discounts announced as part of the 2024-25 State Budget were also popular among voters, swaying 54 per cent towards Labor, the majority made up of regional residents.

Nearly 60 per cent of (other QLD) respondents said they would likely vote Labor due to the 20 per cent rego discount compared to half of metropolitan residents.

Younger voters were overall more influenced by the cost of living measures, with more than 60 per cent happy to consider Labor due to the $1000 rebate, 50c fares and registration discount.

One third of LNP voters said they might change their vote to Labor due the car registration and electricity cashbacks, with about one quarter potentially swayed by the 50c fares.

Meanwhile, raising the stamp duty threshold for first home buyers was the least effective vote grabbing measure, resulting in just 32 per cent lean towards Labor.

Mr Miles in June revealed the threshold would be raised from $500,000 to $700,000, with stamp duty threshold for vacant land blocks also raised by $100,000.

The Property Council slammed the policy, arguing it would make the housing market too competitive and expensive for first home buyers.

“Today’s announcement to lift the first home buyers ceiling and funding it through increasing the foreign land tax surcharge is nothing short of a race to the bottom,” Property Council’s Queensland Executive Director Jess Caire said.

“It’s giving with one hand and taking away with the other.”

Queenslanders were unimpressed by the announcement, with two thirds saying it would not entice them vote Labor back in.

The stamp duty announcement also had the lowest support from Labor voters compared to other measures.