Verdict: Steven Miles v David Crisafulli Queensland leaders’ debate was a well-fought draw

Premier Steven Miles and state opposition leader David Crisafulli shake hands ahead of the second leaders’ debate of the Queensland election campaign. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The unanswered question from today’s Queensland leaders’ debate was this: how long can David Crisafulli hold his nerve?

The Liberal National Party leader remains the hot favourite to win the state election in 10 days’ time, and he’s still refusing to be drawn on state debt, Olympic stadiums, pumped hydro dams and the thorny issue of abortion law reform.

Premier Steven Miles took over from the press pack in pressing

Crisafulli on the detail he has steadfastly refused to provide. How would he cut debt and state taxes without culling services? Would an LNP government reinstate the Gabba as Brisbane’s marquee 2032 Olympic stadium? Was Crisafulli pro-choice or anti-abortion?

We didn’t get a straight answer on any of these entirely reasonable questions, and that’s a shame.

Premier Steven Miles and his wife Kim McDowell ahead of the second leaders’ debate in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The expectation is that the LNP’s comfortable lead in the opinion polls – 10 points in Newspoll – will narrow in the sprint to October 26 so let’s see if Crisafulli perseveres with the so-called small target strategy. We’ll know that the contest has seriously tightened if he abruptly opens up on his plans.

Miles did a good job in exposing the hollowness of his opponent’s platform to date. “What you see from me is what you get,” he said, landing one of a number of blows on Crisafulli over his ongoing evasiveness.

In return, the LNP man was convincing and across the detail in nailing Labor under Annastacia Palaszczuk and Miles over its patchy record after nearly a decade of power.

The verdict: an evenly-fought draw which, unfortunately, left voters no wiser on what the future holds for the Sunshine State.