David Crisafulli dodges burning election issues exposing LNP weakness

Queenslanders are yet to truly understand what David Crisafulli stands for and polished non-answer responses do nothing to change this, writes state political editor Hayden Johnson.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli on the campaign trail at the Bribie Island Surf Club. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Doubts about David Crisafulli’s plan for abortion and voluntary assisted dying exposes swing voters’ concern about the alternative premier – and it’s probably enough to push Labor back in the fight.

Queenslanders are yet to truly understand what Mr Crisafulli stands for and polished non-answer responses to questions do nothing to change this.

For almost one year Mr Crisafulli has faced persistent questions about his plan for the two ideological issues — VAD and abortion – if elected premier on October 26.

At first he was able to easily write it off as a low Labor attack, but in this election campaign the issue has spread like wildfire.

LNP’s Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause added fuel-soaked paper to the fire when he challenged a claim that Mr Crisafulli wouldn’t repeal the legislation.

Abortion, and to a lesser extent voluntary assisted dying, is now a live campaign issue.

It’s dogged the LNP leader all week and, staggeringly, he still can’t find an answer to it.

Mr Crisafulli painfully struggled through considered, but simple questions about how he would keep his party in line if the crossbench attempts to amend VAD or abortion legislation.

Usually such a tough news cycle would prompt Mr Crisafulli’s minders to bundle him out of Brisbane and into the regions, far from the fire of the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Now, providing the bus for the gallery to follow him to near the tip of Queensland, Mr Crisafulli has been unable to get away with not answering questions.

It’s a classic wedge for the LNP leader.

Allowing a conscience vote is exactly the same practice that occurred in 2018 for abortion and 2021 for voluntary assisted dying – but the LNP might now have the numbers.

Labor also has questions to answer about what it would do in the next term if it is in opposition and the two issues come up.

In a close parliament, there would be nothing stopping Queensland Labor headquarters from withdrawing its MPs’ right to a conscience vote to team-up with LNP dissidents and defeat a proposal.