Queensland’s Liberal National Party (LNP) government has now reached its one-year milestone under Premier David Crisafulli. It came into power with a promise to fix what it called the “big four crises” facing the state: youth crime, health pressures, housing shortages, and rising cost of living. Voters were told a corner would be turned. Expectations were high.
Twelve months later, stakeholders say progress is visible in some areas, yet still slow and uneven in others. Former leaders and political experts are split. Supporters argue the government is steady and focused on core issues, helping restore confidence across Queensland. Critics say the LNP risks being remembered for caution instead of bold change. The public will ultimately decide which view prevails.
Stakeholders Provide Mixed Assessment of the LNP’s First Year
Political strategists, former premiers, and interest groups have examined performance across key policy fields. Their verdicts range from cautious approval to impatience for bigger moves.
Former National Party premier Rob Borbidge calls this the “best government in well over a generation.” He believes Crisafulli has avoided repeating the mistakes of the Campbell Newman era and says turning around systems that were “sinking” takes time. Meanwhile, Campbell Newman, who quit the party, gave the government a B plus. He warns too much caution could waste its mandate to reform.
However, Griffith University political scientist Paul Williams graded the government between B minus and C plus, arguing the LNP campaigned small and now lacks a flagship reform agenda to measure success. Stakeholders expect more clarity on signature priorities beyond stability and business friendliness.
Crime and Community Safety: High Priority but High Pressure
Cracking down on youth crime remains a defining challenge. The government has highlighted stronger bail enforcement, expanded police resources, and community-based crime prevention. But stakeholders say results must be measured by outcomes, not announcements.
Community leaders want:
- Faster delivery of early-intervention programs
- Improved detention capacity and rehabilitation services
- More direct support for regional crime hotspots
If youth crime rates fail to fall visibly within the next 18 months, trust may erode.
Cost of Living: The Hardest Test for Voters
Rising rent, power bills, groceries, and fuel all continue to squeeze households. For many voters, support will depend less on political messaging and more on the dollars left in their wallet.
Economists and local businesses have called for:
- More targeted rebates for families and seniors
- Retail energy market reforms to lower bills
- Incentives for food supply chain efficiency
Kos Samaras, political strategist, warns this portfolio could make or break the LNP in Brisbane electorates.
Health System: Progress Needs Pace
Ambulance delays and hospital wait times remain concerning. While frontline workers welcome investments in staffing and rapid response hubs, patient groups say many reforms are still on paper or in pilot stages.
Healthcare advocates highlight:
- Short-stay hospital expansions
- Emergency department discharge improvements
- More GP access in fast-growing regions
- Mental health service gaps still unresolved
Rural Queenslanders continue reporting slower response rates, raising equity concerns.
Housing Affordability: An Election-Deciding Crisis
Housing pressure is rising faster than solutions. Demand overwhelms supply in major regions. Construction costs stay high. Rental vacancy remains extremely low. Stakeholders issue clear warnings: if this gets worse, the LNP risks losing momentum ahead of the next election.
Housing policy researchers identify three priority areas:
- More social and affordable housing stock delivered sooner
- Tax settings that incentivise build-to-rent holds
- Faster planning approvals in regional cities
Failure to restore affordability would hit younger voters most, especially in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast suburbs.
Energy and Environment: A Careful Balancing Act
The government says Queensland is “open for business” and is building reliable energy for industry growth. Yet critics argue climate transition needs faster commitment. The LNP has toned down political tensions around renewable energy but still faces scrutiny about delays to long-promised transmission upgrades.
Green groups request:
- Clearer emission reduction milestones
- Firm renewable targets that align with national policy
- More community benefit agreements in regional projects
Business leaders want stable rules to drive private investment.
Performance Overview by Stakeholder Ratings
Infrastructure Delivery: Momentum Needed for Growth
Queensland’s rapid population growth demands heavy investment. Major road, rail, and regional port initiatives are underway but not advancing quickly enough to satisfy industry bodies.
More coordination across state-local-federal planning is a must. Infrastructure Australia warns that every delayed year compounds long-term productivity loss.
Two core priorities stand out:
- Build faster, streamline tenders, and reduce red tape
- Support regional infrastructure to unlock housing and jobs outside Brisbane
Private developers say certainty is essential for capital flow, while communities expect transparency on timelines and benefits.
Lessons from Past Governments Inform Approach
The LNP remains cautious due to the memory of its 2015 landslide defeat. Many sitting MPs saw firsthand how aggressive reform can damage political survival. Crisafulli has chosen consultation over confrontation. He avoids culture war battles and sticks to practical policies. Analysts call this a winning formula for conservatives in Australia today.
Yet the question remains:
Will caution deliver great outcomes or merely protect the status quo?
High-Value Takeaways for Residents and Businesses
For residents:
- Expect more incremental improvements rather than shock reforms
- Watch for household relief and housing measures in the next budget
For business owners:
- Queensland continues attracting investments and skilled workers
- Regulatory settings unlikely to shift dramatically anytime soon
What Comes Next?
Stakeholders expect the coming year to focus on:
- Faster housing delivery across key markets
- Clearer action in energy investment approvals
- Measurable improvements in youth crime outcomes
- More frontline capacity in healthcare
Crisafulli’s team now moves from stabilisation to transformation. Big decisions cannot be delayed.
Trending FAQs
Has the LNP delivered on its election promises so far?
Some progress is visible, but analysts say delivery is uneven across key areas. Stakeholders are asking for faster, more measurable outcomes.
Is crime going down in Queensland?
Police resourcing has expanded, but many communities still feel unsafe. Results are expected to be judged more closely in late 2025 and 2026.
Why is housing the biggest re election risk?
Because voter frustration is rising fast. Rent increases and shortage of supply affect millions, especially younger families in Southeast Queensland.
Is Queensland still competitive for business?
Yes. The state remains attractive due to population growth, major industries, and supportive regulatory settings.
Could the LNP lose seats despite winning government?
Experts say yes. If Brisbane voters feel no relief on housing and living costs, the LNP may struggle to expand its city footprint even if re elected statewide.
Queensland’s LNP government has survived the turbulence of its first year by staying calm and grounded. But year two will demand more than stability. Success will hinge on real-world results that people can feel at home, in their budget, in hospitals, and in their neighbourhoods. The corner has been promised. Now the state will see if it can be turned.
