Crowd embraced the moment to put leaders under the pump

They didn’t look so much undecided as unconvinced, but that didn’t stop the crowd smashing Steven Miles and David Crisafulli pointed questions.

They didn’t look so much undecided as unconvinced, gazing with what appeared to be a collective suspicion about the credibility of the two men who intend leading the state by Sunday morning.

The Courier-Mail/Sky News People’s Forum which assembled around 100 undecided voters at Suncorp Stadium to grill Labor leader Steven Miles and LNP leader David Crisafulli was an exercise in pure, undiluted democracy.

With no chance for minders to vet the crowd, no opportunity for a set piece with friendly talent, no Dorothy Dixers coming from party hacks, both leaders were taking a leap out of their metaphorical planes minus their metaphorical parachutes.

And the punters were in no mood to help soften the landing.

The first question from Lorraine Manteit was on the horrific outcome for her sister and brother-in-law caught up in our hospital system.

Tammi Levine was second out of the box pointing out the rise of antisemitism in Queensland and Kimberley Lusk wondered why victims of domestic violence were obligated to leave their home for shelter rather than forcing out the perpetrators.

All received a sort of soothing, almost bi-partisan response from both leaders but when Brett asked what their views were on abortion, Mr Crisafulli appeared to take a slight intake of breath.

“Well Brett this has been a very topical issue,” the LNP leader, who has been constantly quizzed about the issue during the campaign, declared.

“There will be no change to abortion laws, and I want Queenslanders to hear that directly from me,’’ he continued.

“Can anyone tell from David’s answer just then what he thinks about the issue?’’ countered Miles.

“”Are you pro choice or not?’’

“There will be no change, no change at all,’’ replied Mr Crisafulli.

Mr Miles used his right to ask a question of Mr Crisafulli, demanding to know if he believed in a woman’s right to choose - “yes or no.’’

Chris Bynes asks a question during the forum. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“It probably won’t work on TikTok, but yes,’’ replied Mr Crisafulli, who was referencing his opponents’ prolific social media habits.

Crime was on the agenda, with about ten people out of a crowd of around 100 raising their hands when asked if they or someone they knew had been impacted by crime recently.

Real estate prices got a mention while Gail McIntyre brought up a sentimental favourite, prompting broad smiles from both leaders.

What did they think about Daylight Savings?’

Mr Miles effectively said “no way’’ while Mr Crisafulli drew on his North Queensland background to explain his opposition.

“As someone who has lived and worked at both ends of the state, it will not be on my agenda,” he said.

All the members of the audience confirmed before arrival they were undecided on their vote, were not formally involved in politics and had not campaigned for any party or politician in the past five years.

Sky News moderator Kieran Gilbert told the crowd it was a privilege to command the full attention of political leaders only three days out of an election.

“It’s a rare moment,’’ he said.

“It is something to embrace.’’

And embrace it they did.

Originally published as Crowd embraced the moment to put leaders under the pump