Queensland’s 41st premier has vowed to start work right away to implement the policies he promised during the election campaign.
There will be no rest for David Crisafulli despite an exhausting campaign – he starts work first thing on Sunday after forming a majority in the Queensland election.
“We get to work and we do what we say we were going to do,” he told the party faithful.
“We have a contract with Queenslanders and we intend to honour it.”
Sunshine Coast electorates
When counting concluded last night, the LNP appeared on track to win seven of the eight seats on the Sunshine Coast, with independent Sandy Bolton looking set for a third straight term in Noosa.
In Buderim, the LNP’s Brent Mickelberg had 49.62 per cent of the vote, ahead of nearest rival Adrian Burke (Labor) on 27.15 per cent.
In Caloundra, mother-of-four Kendall Morton (44.14 per cent) looks set to win the seat back for the LNP, after Labor’s Jason Hunt claimed an upset victory four years ago, when the party won there for the first time. Mr Hunt was on 36.4 per cent of the vote.
In Glass House, incumbent LNP member Andrew Powell (45.43 per cent) was comfortably leading Labor’s Humphrey Caspersz Jnr (24.45 per cent).
LNP deputy leader Jarrod Bleijie is on track for his sixth stint in Kawana, holding 58.62 per cent of the vote, ahead of Labor’s Jim Dawson on 26.46 per cent.
In Maroochydore, the LNP’s Fiona Simpson (54.83 per cent) is set to retain the seat she’s held since 1992. Naomi McQueen (Labor) on 27.8 per cent was her nearest rival in the count.
In Nicklin, Labor’s Rob Skelton (30.61 per cent) was trailling the LNP’S Marty Hunt (37.42 per cent). Mr Hunt lost the seat to Mr Skelton by a margin of just 0.14 per cent four years ago.
Incumbent LNP member Dan Purdie was well ahead of nearest rival Jo Justo (Labor) in Ninderry, leading 49.67 per cent to 26.35 per cent.
In Noosa, Ms Bolton (44.31 per cent) was ahead of former Noosa mayor Clare Stewart (37.56 per cent), who is with the LNP.
Crisafulli’s moment
The grandson of Italian immigrants to northern Queensland cane farmers led a campaign focused on crime, health, housing and cost of living.
He has vowed to legislate his controversial “adult time for adult crime” policy that would see youth offenders jailed on lengthy sentences for committing serious crimes.
Mr Crisafulli also plans to introduce a 100-day review of 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure, deliver real-time health data and scrap a payroll tax on general practitioners.
He praised now former premier Steven Miles for his rise in the halls of parliament and acknowledged the the impact of Labor’s loss on MPs and their families.
“To think the son of a factory work could be the 40th premier of this state tells you everything you need to know about how great Queensland is,” Mr Crisafulli said.
But Mr Miles’ speech did not include a concession nor did he congratulate the premier-elect despite counting indicating a Liberal National Party majority with 49 seats to Labor’s 30.
“Queenslanders know what I believe and what I stand for, while David Crisafulli ducked and weaved and tied himself into the tiniest, small target Queensland has ever seen,” he said to a room of cheering supporters at a tavern.
“This election finishes with many more questions about the LNP’s plans than answers.”
Mr Miles became a little shaky as he thanked his wife Kim, sons Aidan and Sam and daughter Bridie for their support.
“Your support lets me do this job, thanks for joining me on the campaign trail and thanks to Bridie for being in my strange sandwich videos,” he said.
Mr Crisafulli was close to tears as he thanked his wife Tegan for her support and noted how proud he was of his daughters, who he keeps out of the limelight.
He will become just the second Queensland Liberal leader this millennium after Campbell Newman held power from 2012 to 2015.
The parliament’s makeup is yet to be cemented as votes continue to be counted but it appears to hold the LNP majority, with three Katter’s Australian Party members and one independent.
The Greens, who held two seats in the last parliament, appear to be wiped from the crossbench with Michael Berkman’s seat of Maiwar still too close to call.
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