Editorial: Queensland election comes at important time in state’s history
EDITORIAL: Strap yourself in for a wild ride as Queenslanders are going to the polls on November 25 and, as is often the case in Queensland, expect the unexpected.
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AFTER months of speculation, Queensland will finally go to the polls on November 25.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will call the election today, pledging a continuation of her job-creation mantra and stable government at a time of political turmoil in Canberra.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls remains quietly confident on the back of promising internal polling. For Queenslanders, deciding who to entrust with government for the next three years is a big deal.
The Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast in April, and Queensland will be showcased to the world for two weeks. The challenge for the Queensland Government will be to cash in. What will success look like for the Gold Coast two, five and 10 years after the Games?
There’s also much to be done in the resources and tourism space. The Adani project is crucial to the state’s prosperity, and in 2021, Brisbane will have a second runway, opening access to a growing list of destinations.
The Chinese have just overtaken the Kiwis as our most numerous visitors.
In 2021, the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf project will open, cementing Brisbane as one of the most liveable places on the planet, while Harvey Lister’s grand plan for a 17,000-seat stadium at the Roma St railyards is another game-changer for the capital.
Infrastructure planning, particularly around roads and public transport, is a big vote catcher. So, too, are staple issues such as education and health.
But the real deal-breaker this election will be cost-of-living pressures. The political party that eases the everyday burden of electricity prices and escalating fixed costs, such as stamp duty and car registration, will resonate with voters.
During the next four weeks, Labor must somehow untangle its cosy relationship with union thugs such as the CFMEU. That is a bad look. Many people find the factional brawling and nexus with the union movement distasteful.
The challenge for the LNP will be to foster a closer relationship between the electorate and Mr Nicholls.
This election will go down to the wire. Nothing should be taken for granted. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will play an influential role, especially in north Queensland, where she remains popular.
The consensus is that One Nation can win between two and six seats, which may give it the balance of power. Senator Hanson’s real influence is likely to be seen in the way One Nation’s preferences flow.
There is a belief that One Nation voters are more likely to preference the conservatives, but the maverick nature of Hanson followers suggests the Labor-LNP split may be closer to line ball than a resounding help to the LNP.
The scenarios are obvious. Either Labor will form government in its own right or with the help of Katter’s Australian Party, or the LNP will get to the magical 47 seats on its own or with the help of One Nation.
Whatever the outcome, strap yourself in for a wild ride. As is so often the case in Queensland, expect the unexpected.
Published by News Queensland (ACN 009 661 778) corner of Mayne Rd and
Campbell St, Bowen Hills. Peter Gleeson accepts responsibility for election comment.
Originally published as Editorial: Queensland election comes at important time in state’s history
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