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6 Key Issues Discussed During the Queensland Election Debate

In the second debate between Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, the two leaders locked horns over key issues like crime, health, housing, and the economy.
The exchange also touched on abortion laws and state debt, showcasing stark contrasts in their visions for Queensland’s future.
Crisafulli took a firm stance on fiscal responsibility, crime, and youth justice reforms, positioning himself as a candidate for change.
Crisafulli assured voters that an LNP government would not make any changes, saying, “My team backs it, and I want Queenslanders to know that we are not changing that law.”
He denounced what he called a “vitriolic smear campaign” targeting his position on the issue.
Premier Miles, however, reminded viewers of Crisafulli’s past voting record on abortion.
He highlighted that he had decriminalised abortion during his tenure as health minister, accusing Crisafulli of dodging questions 132 times on the issue.
“Queenslanders know my position,” Miles said. “Crisafulli voted against it and won’t clarify his views.”
Crisafulli criticised the government’s handling of the state finances, warning that growing debt could threaten Queensland’s AA credit rating. The state lost its AAA credit rating in 2009 and has been unable to reclaim it since.
“The days of reckless spending are over. Debt will be lower under an LNP government,” Crisafulli promised.
He vowed to end “multi-billion-dollar projects that don’t stack up.”
Miles dismissed the LNP’s claims, arguing that Queensland’s debt levels were already accounted for in the state’s economic outlook, which remains stable.
He emphasised that under Labor, the state delivered two record surpluses and remains on track to return to surplus by 2026-27—recent budgets benefitted from the government’s expanded mining royalties tax.
He argued that despite having a smaller population, Queensland had more victims of crime than New South Wales and Victoria.
“Victim numbers are at record levels,” Crisafulli said, vowing that an LNP government would significantly reduce these figures. He criticised the state’s youth justice laws, pledging comprehensive reforms and early intervention measures.
Miles countered by pointing to police data showing a decrease in overall crime this year.
He also noted that domestic violence statistics were now included in the crime figures, something that wasn’t done under the previous LNP government.
Crisafulli criticised the government for Queensland’s worsening ambulance ramping, which has risen from 15 percent to 45 percent under Labor’s watch.
Crisafulli also highlighted that Queensland’s waiting list for elective surgery had doubled to 62,000 patients, accusing Labor of ignoring a system in crisis.
His proposed solution included a comprehensive health strategy backed by third-party medical groups, focused on reducing wait times and improving hospital infrastructure.
Miles defended Labor’s record, stating that no other state is investing more in healthcare infrastructure. He pointed out that ambulance response times have improved in certain areas, and noted ongoing projects to modernise hospitals.
Crisafulli also pushed the Labor government for failing to deliver on its pledge that rape victims would receive forensic exams within 10 minutes of arriving at a hospital. Citing an audit report, he said, “Some victims have had to wait up to nine hours, and it’s a disgrace.”
Crisafulli criticised the government’s management of Olympic infrastructure, pointing to the decision to use the suburban Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) as the site for the opening ceremony a “terrible idea.”
He said, if elected, the LNP would carry out a 100 day review of infrastructure sites. He promised to create an independent authority to oversee Olympic developments, ensuring Queenslanders wouldn’t bear the financial burden of poorly planned projects.
Miles defended the government’s Olympic strategy, saying that the investments were under control and aimed at creating long-term economic benefits for the state.
Crisafulli criticised the government’s housing policies, pointing out that Brisbane has become Australia’s second-most expensive city. A typical home mortgage now requires an annual income of $175,000, which is more than twice the state’s median income.
Crisafulli proposed a $2 billion fund to encourage councils to speed up the construction of housing stock and promised to increase supply by building more homes.
He rejected rent caps, calling them ineffective, and stressed that any housing developments must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure like schools and hospitals.
In response, Miles highlighted that the state government had reviewed and updated its infrastructure plan in February 2024, and was actively working to address housing shortages.
Crisafulli framed the election as a choice between crisis and change. He promised that under the LNP, Queenslanders would see reform in key areas like crime, health, and housing. He assured voters that his party was ready to lead, with a detailed plan to tackle the state’s pressing challenges.
Miles, on the other hand, positioned himself as a safe pair of hands. He reminded voters of Labor’s record, from job creation to healthcare improvements. He warned that the LNP’s plans were light on details, and cuts to essential services were likely if the opposition were to balance the budget.
Miles ended by saying, “With us, what you see is what you get.”
As the election draws near, Queensland voters are presented with two competing visions: one of continuity and stability under Labor, and another of change and fiscal discipline under the LNP.

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