David Crisafulli’s first move - sacking Mike Kaiser

Premier-elect David Crisafulli has made his first staffing decision – sacking Department of Premier and Cabinet Director-General Mike Kaiser.

The move was telegraphed well in advance, with the LNP leader making it clear before the election campaign that having a former state secretary of the Queensland Labor Party in such a role brought the independence of the public service into question.

Crisafulli has also spoken with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, discussing funding and the LNP’s plan for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Premier Steven Miles, meanwhile, has declared his intention to lead a Labor opposition against the new LNP government.

Kaiser confirmed his departure in a LinkedIn post on Sunday morning, in which he congratulated the incoming premier.

Incoming premier David Crisafulli has sacked Department of Premier and Cabinet Director-General Mike Kaiser.

“As expected, he wants to work with someone else as his Director-General at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet,” he said.

“I fully respect his decision and hope my attitude goes some way to overcoming the nonsense that premiers can’t choose their head of department in a modern democracy.”

Crisafulli confirmed he had spoken with Kaiser and told him his services were no longer required.

“He was incredibly gracious in that phone call,” Crisafulli said, noting that Kaiser had also helped prepare incoming government briefing packs.

Queensland Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie has been appointed interim DPC director-general.

Crisafulli also revealed he had talked to Albanese for “about 20 minutes,” and started to put the case for more Queensland funding.

“He was generous with his time and I look forward to working with him, just as I look forward to working with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton,” he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Albanese paid tribute to Miles for a strong campaign and said he was ready to work with the Crisafulli government.

“I discussed with the incoming premier the upcoming Games and the planning that will be required for it,” Albanese said.

While the federal government will fund a new Brisbane Arena, the LNP has promised a 100-day review of venues and is expected to revisit the option of rebuilding the Gabba as the main Olympic and Paralympic Games stadium.

Albanese also noted Labor had performed strongly against the Greens in the state election, which comes ahead of the federal poll.

Miles later congratulated Crisafulli and the LNP, and said he intended to seek caucus approval to lead Labor in opposition.

“We intend to hold them to account,” Miles said.

Kaiser said he was confident he had left the public service culture in good shape.

“Thank you to the bold but faithful public servants I’ve worked with. And thank you to the former premier Steven Miles for the opportunity to work in this role for the people of Queensland. Your commitment and work ethic are an inspiration,” he said.

“Now, what can I have a crack at next?”

Kaiser is a former state Labor MP, federal Labor assistant secretary, and served stints as chief of staff to NSW Labor premier Morris Iemma and Queensland premier Anna Bligh, as well as in the NBN Co under the federal Rudd Labor government.