David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland addressing party members at the LNP state convention in Brisbane. He stressed the need for cohesion and concentration as the new Democratic majority prepares itself for 2025 elections. Here’s how it worked out, with the expectation that his speech would close the convention out on the last day. This followed a disastrous federal election for the Coalition, leading to the loss of five seats in Queensland, including Peter Dutton’s home seat of Dickson.
As a result, Crisafulli stressed the importance of discipline from party members. Without their enthusiastic support, no LNP can succeed, he claimed. He pointed to his success in winning his state’s election last year. This remarkable success is a testament to what the party can achieve when concentrated on the issues that really matter to Queenslanders.
We wouldn’t have won the ’24 election without the commitment and focus of our ranks. Crisafulli wanted to hit on a few core principles that would be necessary for any future electoral success. We can’t win it again in ’28 without them,” he added.
Focus on Key Issues
In his maiden address, Crisafulli challenged LNP members to focus on the things that actually resonate with voters. He had repeatedly warned them that electoral backbiting and joint-wrecking, ideological diversionism would sap the strength from their new majority.
“We must not be distracted by ideological issues, we cannot be distracted by internal squabbles, and we cannot be captured by those who seek to divide us,” he said. This call for unity is especially pertinent as the LNP navigates the challenging political landscape following a federal election loss.
As Crisafulli made clear, the need to keep talking to voters about their day to day lives doesn’t end with the election. “We must continue to talk about the issues that are confronting Queenslanders — the ones that impact the choices they make every day,” he added.
Lessons from Recent Elections
Crisafulli’s analysis of outcomes from the recent federal election. He argued that on key issues, the Coalition had lost its ideological moorings by seeking compromise with right-wing elements and minor parties. He ran on the basis that this move to the left was responsible for losing support from mainstream voters.
We sought to work with them and placate them, but it took us even more away from the political center of Australian politics. In turn, they moved their votes to other places,” Crisafulli said. His statements announce a clear new political strategy moving the LNP in a different direction. Unlike previous IRL incarnations, they promise to appeal beyond the online political niche.
Crisafulli’s desire to win a second term as premier is clear, demonstrated through his frank recognition of past wins. He stressed that Queenslanders returned the party with a primary vote of 41.5 percent and a two-party-preferred of 54 percent in his election win. This demonstrated a 7 percent deep red to deep blue swing.
A Vision for Multi-Term Governance
Crisafulli evenly, but passionately, laid out his vision for a multi-term state government. He is hoping to be the first conservative premier of Queensland to be re-elected since Joh Bjelke-Petersen in 1986. He understands that getting there will not be a cakewalk. He is hell bent on trying to duplicate the plays that got him off to his first success.
“We must replicate what we did to win in the first place,” he urged party members, emphasizing continuity and consistency in their approach as they work towards future elections.
