David Crisafulli as Qld Premier: How the Qld government works and who controls what

With a change coming to Queensland after the state election, it’s time to look ahead to what happens next.

How exactly does Queensland’s government work?

As Queenslanders receive news that LNP leader David Crisafulli will be the next premier, it’s time to look forward to see what holding government actually means.

What does it control, how can it help and just how far do its powers reach?

RESULTS: SEE HOW EVERY SEAT FELL

What does the Queensland government look after?

Anything that is not included in Section 51 and 52 of Australia’s constitution, which lists the powers of the federal government.

This means schools, consumer affairs, police, emergency services, hospitals, transport, community services and utilities are controlled by the Queensland government.

Australia’s federal government controls taxation, defence, international trade and immigration.

How is the Qld government funded?

State governments receive funding from a number of sources including revenue from the federal Goods and Services Tax and state-based fees, levies and charges.

Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

What do they do in every day life?

Whenever you go to hospital or police in your community take action your state government is at work.

Who’s who in the state government?

The King’s representative is the governor, the head of government is the premier and representatives are known as MPs, or Members of parliament.

In the two Territories – the ACT and Northern Territory – the head of government is called the Chief Minister.

Queensland’s election is due to deliver a change for the state. Picture: Evan Morgan

How does the Qld government work?

Queensland parliament is the only state parliament in Australia without an Upper House. This makes it a ‘unicameral’ parliament, meaning that it has just one House – the Legislative Assembly.

Members of the Legislative Assembly make decisions about new laws and proposed changes to legislation.

As part of the democratic process, members also debate the key issues of the day and ask questions of Ministers.

Source: Qld Government

What policies did the LNP promise?

■ FULL LIST: Every promise Crisafulli must deliver on within 100 days

TAX

LNP:

No detailed plan yet, but vows to have “less” tax than Labor.

Will abolish stamp duty, first homebuyer tax, and GP payroll tax.

Tax plan will be revealed just before October 26.

Abolish payroll tax for GPs.

COST OF LIVING

LNP:

Continue energy rebates based on household need.

Keep 50-cent fares permanent.

Cost-saving measures through productivity review.

ENERGY

LNP:

Maintenance guarantee on state-owned coal-fired power plants.

Keep coal-fired power stations running indefinitely to ensure smooth renewable energy transition.

Repeal renewable energy targets.

Axe Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro.

Build smaller pumped hydro projects, now specifics on how many.

No nuclear energy.

HEALTH

LNP:

$590m plan including attracting 34,200 clinicians and 18,781 nurses/midwives by 2032.

Reduce ambulance ramping to below 30 per cent by 2028.

Hospital doctors to get weekend overtime pay rise to ensure seven-day patient discharge

CRIME

LNP:

Tougher sentences for serious juvenile crimes.

Investment in early intervention and prevention programs.

12-month post-detention transition programs.

Regional ‘reset’ programs.

New GPS tracker program for high-risk DV offenders on Domestic Violence Orders.

CHILD SAFETY

LNP:

$383m plan to reform the child protection system

Overhaul the residential care system.

12-bed “Secure Care” facility for intensive wraparound care

ABORTION

LNP:

Pledged ‘no change’ to existing Termination of Pregnancy laws.

Unclear stance on conscience vote for future changes to abortion laws.

BRUCE HIGHWAY

LNP:

$20m for Walker Street – Bruce Highway intersection upgrade at Maryborough

Will lobby for the 80-20 funding split with the federal government.

$100m for regional inland highways

COAL ROYALTIES

LNP:

No changes to coal royalties in the first term.

TREATY

LNP:

Will repeal the Path to Treaty legislation.

Promises a “better way forward” for Indigenous issues, with no details.

OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

LNP:

100-day review on infrastructure investments, focused on roads and rail.

No new stadiums

Open to private investment for infrastructure.

Committed to staying within $7.1bn budget.

ENVIRONMENT

LNP:

Focused on net zero by 2050.

Three new wildlife hospitals and a turtle rehab centre.

WATER SECURITY

LNP:

No new desalination plants or recycled water schemes

New dam for SEQ to be built by 2035

Three major projects, including two new weirs, to be built by 2028 for $126m

Rebuild Paradise Dam

Originally published as David Crisafulli as Qld Premier: How the Qld government works and who controls what