As Queensland edges closer to its state election on October 26, voters are in a critical position, weighing up decisions that will determine the trajectory of the state for decades. Across the political spectrum, promises on housing, healthcare, crime, and public transport have been made, but Queenslanders will have to decide which party’s approach is most aligned with their needs.
Housing is front and centre. With both Labor and the LNP committing to the massive goal of one million new homes, it’s clear that this election is as much about future living spaces as it is about who’ll get the credit for solving the housing crisis. Labor’s target date of 2046 comes with a cautious pace, while the LNP’s promise of finishing two years earlier isn’t exactly revolutionary but offers a slightly quicker fix. Then there are the Greens, whose bold pledge to clear the social housing waitlist in four years might seem far-fetched but will undoubtedly catch the eye of those struggling with rising rent.
The LNP’s proposal to direct half its housing infrastructure funds to regional Queensland could be a game-changer for smaller communities, where affordable housing is even more elusive. Partnerships with charities and faith-based organisations could help move these developments along more quickly, giving regional towns a fighting chance.
For first-home buyers, it’s a mixed bag. Doubling the first-home owner’s grant sounds nice, but abolishing stamp duty could prove to be the clincher for many would-be buyers. It’s a battle of who offers the most immediate relief for young Queenslanders wanting to escape the rent trap.
Crime has always been a sticking point in elections, and this one is no different. Labor is throwing in the tech toys: metal-detecting wands, tasers, and helicopters, all part of a $1.28 billion bid to keep streets safe. It’s a flashy approach, but will it work? The LNP’s harder stance, with its “adult crime, adult time” mantra, clearly targets the surge in youth crime, aiming to show there are no free passes for young offenders.
But is this tough-on-crime approach the right one? For those who believe in the power of community policing and rehabilitation, Labor’s strategy might seem like a better option. After all, throwing more police tech at a problem doesn’t necessarily fix the root causes of criminal behaviour.
Healthcare is always on the agenda, and this election brings promises of more hospitals and clinics. Labor’s seven new satellite hospitals aim to ease the burden on major facilities, especially in regions that are underserved. The LNP’s plan to share real-time hospital data might not sound groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of small tweak that could have a big impact on how Queenslanders navigate the health system.
Meanwhile, the Greens continue to champion their progressive vision with a healthcare plan that includes free dental care and 200 new clinics. For families who find themselves constantly squeezed by rising healthcare costs, the Greens’ promises could be exactly what they need.
Public transport is getting the spotlight too, with both major parties committing to fare caps, keeping travel affordable for commuters. But it’s the Greens again who are pushing the envelope, offering free public transport by 2026. For Queenslanders feeling the pinch from rising living costs, the idea of not paying for travel could be irresistible, especially in growing urban centres like Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
And then there’s the environment and Indigenous policies. Labor’s renewable energy jobs plan promises big investment in renewables, with the LNP backing a more cautious approach to energy transition. However, the big divide is on the Path to Treaty. Labor is moving forward with it, while the LNP is ready to pull the plug, reflecting a more conservative approach to Indigenous issues that may resonate with voters who prioritise other concerns.
In the end, this election boils down to a choice between maintaining the status quo, making slight adjustments, or embracing more radical change. The direction Queensland takes hinges on the priorities of its people—whether it’s building homes, fighting crime, accessing healthcare, or taking a stance on the environment. As the campaign heats up, Queenslanders will find themselves asking: which vision of the future do they trust to deliver?
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