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Last year, during the 2024 Queensland elections Queensland voted to oust the Miles Labor government that had served Queenslanders since 2015 for the Liberal-National Party (LNP) led by Crisafulli.
In late June, the LNP released their first budget since being elected to government. This article will highlight some of the things that the LNP have announced for Queenslanders.
Why is Queensland Blue Now?
One of the strangest changes that the new LNP government has announced is changing the colour of the state emblem in style guides from Queensland’s traditional maroon to blue.
It has been rumoured that this change has taken place to suit the branding of the LNP better. Others have called the change un-Queenslander-like behaviour from the new government.
Demand Side Housing Policy
The government has announced the introduction of a home equity scheme that allows first home buyers to purchase a home with a 2% deposit.
The problem with this type of housing policy is that it doesn’t do anything to incentivise any increased investment in the actual housing stock of Queensland. As such, this will not make it easier for you to be able to buy a house later down the road as house prices in the greater Brisbane area are still hurtling ever higher year after year.
Destroying A Sacred Heritage Site
Victoria Park was selected as a key location for the new Brisbane stadium, with the LNP committing funds in the budget towards the construction of the 2032 Olympic facilities.
In the month before the budget was passed, the LNP government passed shock legislation that permitted the state government to overrule the Cultural Heritage Act. This was put into place in case the LNP was unable to reach a deal with the local Indigenous groups that oversee the lands in which Victoria Park sits.
Broken Promise: Heavy Rail to the Sunshine Coast
A massive disappointment for those living in the Sunshine Coast was the LNP’s decision to scrap the final state of the Sunshine Coast heavy rail line.
Mass transportation is sorely needed for the Sunshine Coast as it continues to grow. However, the failure of the new government to deliver heavy rail to the Sunshine Coast will have generational impacts on the opportunity for growth in the region.
$1000 Worse Off
Last year the Miles government gave all Queensland households a blanket $1000 off of their electricity bill from July. However, this scheme will be discontinued under the new LNP government.
This is a significant blow to Queenslanders, as the $1000 energy rebate was funded by the coal royalties raised from Queensland’s natural resources. Coal royalties are still being raised by the state; however, the benefit of this royalty is not being passed on to Queenslanders’ energy bills.
Lifting The Old Government’s Policies
50c fares, fair play vouchers, free vaccination programs, and health checks for children remained part of the budget. The LNP touted these things as significant wins for the new government, however, each of these policies were introduced under the former Miles Labor government.
Written by Samuel Wong
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