Queensland election 2024: Labor and LNP awaken the sleeping giant of every election

It’s taken just a week for David Crisafulli and Steven Miles to awaken the sleeping giant of every election – health. But is it too late to sway voters, asks state political editor Hayden Johnson?

Premier Steven Miles visits the site of the new Bundaberg hospital. Picture: Adam Head

Steven Miles and David Crisafulli took just one week to charge straight into the sleeping giant of every election campaign – health.

The battleground once decided by the infamous Tahitian Prince scandal, both Labor and the LNP sought to position themselves as best to wrestle the behemoth Queensland Health and improve patient delivery.

In what both camps consider a coincidence, Mr Miles and Mr Crisafulli on Monday released their plan for health after October 26.

Of most concern to punters, the LNP has aimed to reduce ramping to 30 per cent within four years while Labor wants to get to 28 per cent, but won’t put a time on it.

David Crisafulli at a community hall in Mt Gravatt to announce the LNP’s $500m health plan. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Notably, Mr Crisafulli released his ramping figure without seeing the latest data, despite last week refusing to do so.

Like crime, Labor insists its plan for health is yielding results with patient off-stretcher and waiting list times declining.

In what is likely becoming the theme of this campaign, voters might have already made up their mind.

Originally published as Queensland election 2024: Labor and LNP awaken the sleeping giant of every election