‘Tomorrow We Get to Work’: Centre-Right LNP Ends Decade of Labor Government in Queensland

Liberal National Party (LNP) Leader David Crisafulli will become the 41st premier of Queensland, even after Labor’s late-term campaign strategies successfully staved off the predicted “blue wave.” While Labor did not suffer as crushing a defeat as initially predicted, the LNP will still be able to form a majority government. As of 11 p.m. on Oct. 26, the LNP had scored 49 seats—crossing the threshold of 47 to form government—compared with Labor on 31. Overall, the LNP gained a 6 percent swing with numerous seats in Brisbane recording swings of about 10 percent against sitting Labor MPs. However, it was the crucial coastal electorates that swung in favour of LNP and its eventual victory with three electorates in the northern city of Townsville all likely falling to the LNP out of Labor’s hands....