Editorial: Labor’s cost blowouts now the LNP’s problem

In opposition, David Crisafulli and Jarrod Bleijie were more than happy to make political capital out of the government’s cost blowouts. Now, in government, it is their problem, writes the editor.

Premier David Crisafulli (right) with deputy Jarrod Bleijie

Yesterday in this column we pointed out the stark difference between being in government and being in opposition.

It’s not just access to better offices and a fleet of cars. In a nutshell, it is accountability and responsibility.

When she was in government as health minister, Shannon Fentiman rejected opposition calls for her to be sacked as the ambulance ramping crisis continued.

In opposition, Ms Fentiman had no problem calling for police minister Dan Purdie to be sacked as figures released by police commissioner Steve Gollschewski indicated youth crime had not decreased three weeks after the “adult time, adult crime” legislation was introduced.

Today, we have another example.

In opposition, Premier David Crisafulli and his deputy Jarrod Bleijie were more than happy to make political capital out of the government’s cost blowouts for major projects – as was their right.

Now, in government, it is their problem. And as we report today, analysis by The Courier-Mail shows the state is facing a $24bn budget black hole for existing projects they have already committed to as well as new works, such as the state’s 20 per cent stake in the Bruce Highway fix.

The full extent of the cost blowouts will be unveiled in the state government’s delayed mid-year budget update to be released this month.

Like the Bruce, most are projects that need to be done. The state’s hospital capacity must be expanded to keep up with our growing population. Dams across the state need to be upgraded to ensure water security, for similar reasons.

The CopperString project will power mining projects in the northwest of the state.

The Gold Coast Light Rail project needs to be completed, while the minor Olympic and Paralympic venues will leave a community sport legacy.

Mr Crisafulli has not shied away from his support for these projects started by the previous government. But what he and his treasurer David Janetzki have shied away from throughout the election campaign and since is explaining how these increasing costs will be covered.

During the campaign Mr Crisafulli promised to deliver the holy trinity of lower debt, lower borrowings and no new taxes – all while delivering major projects.

Economists have warned that Mr Crisafulli and Mr Janetzki have little choice but to break an election promise and pile the needed billions on to the state’s growing debt burden.

While refusing to concede on that point Mr Janetzki said it will “take a long time to repair the fiscal vandalism” of the previous government.

Former treasurer Cameron Dick provided the Labor government with rivers of gold courtesy of his hiking of coal royalties. While Mr Crisafulli was a vocal critic of the impost, he promised at the last election to keep the royalty regime for at least his first term. And he could hardly afford not to.

Not only that, but the rivers of gold are drying up due to falling coal prices.

The time is fast approaching that the government told the electorate that voted them in so overwhelmingly how they plan to get out of this mess.

U.S. GOES BACK TO THE FUTURE

As our US correspondent Tom Minear points out today, the difference between January 6, 2025, and January 6, 2021, could not have been more stark.

Four years ago, as US President Donald Trump mounted baseless claims about the legitimacy of the US election, thousands of his supporters stormed the Capitol Building to prevent Vice President Mike Pence from endorsing the will of the people.

Yesterday, as Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed the results of the 2024 election, Mr Trump completed what must be the greatest political comeback in history.

That Ms Harris managed to complete the task after losing the election to Mr Trump – despite all his political baggage – showed great strength of character.

In two weeks she will again be expected to smile through gritted teeth as Mr Trump is sworn in for the second time

Across the world and throughout the United States, those who value democracy will hope that Mr Trump’s next four years in power will resemble the way he returned to power, not how he left it.

This time, at the very least, we’ll know what to expect. And while Mr Trump might not sound (or look) like any politician before him, he is working within the same democratic system that has made America an economic and global superpower. And as always, Australia wishes the US well.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: Labor’s cost blowouts now the LNP’s problem