Crisafulli and Miles Face Off: Queensland Election Hinges on Crime, Health, and Economy

Queensland Labor Premier Steven Miles (left) and Queensland LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli (right) are seen during an election debate at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Brisbane, Australia on Oct. 16, 2024. AAP Image/Darren England

In the second debate between Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, the two leaders locked horns over key issues like crime, health, housing, and the economy.

The exchange also touched on abortion laws and state debt, showcasing stark contrasts in their visions for Queensland’s future.

Crisafulli took a firm stance on fiscal responsibility, crime, and youth justice reforms, positioning himself as a candidate for change.

In contrast, Labor’s Miles defended his government’s track record, pointing to economic management and infrastructure plans, while warning of potential cuts under a Liberal National Party (LNP) government.

Abortion Laws: No Changes Promised

One of the most pointed exchanges focused on abortion laws.

Crisafulli assured voters that an LNP government would not make any changes, saying, “My team backs it, and I want Queenslanders to know that we are not changing that law.”

He denounced what he called a “vitriolic smear campaign” targeting his position on the issue.

Premier Miles, however, reminded viewers of Crisafulli’s past voting record on abortion.

He highlighted that he had decriminalised abortion during his tenure as health minister, accusing Crisafulli of dodging questions 132 times on the issue.

“Queenslanders know my position,” Miles said. “Crisafulli voted against it and won’t clarify his views.”

Media outlets and the government have attempted to reinvigorate the abortion issue, saying an LNP government could result in the erosion of “women’s rights.”

State Debt and Economic Policy: An Ongoing Tug-of-War

State debt and economic management also became central points of contention.

Crisafulli criticised the government’s handling of the state finances, warning that growing debt could threaten Queensland’s AA credit rating. The state lost its AAA credit rating in 2009 and has been unable to reclaim it since.

“The days of reckless spending are over. Debt will be lower under an LNP government,” Crisafulli promised.

He vowed to end “multi-billion-dollar projects that don’t stack up.”

Miles dismissed the LNP’s claims, arguing that Queensland’s debt levels were already accounted for in the state’s economic outlook, which remains stable.

He emphasised that under Labor, the state delivered two record surpluses and remains on track to return to surplus by 2026-27—recent budgets benefitted from the government’s expanded mining royalties tax.

Miles accused Crisafulli of hiding how he intends to fund his promises, suggesting that the LNP would resort to cutting essential services to balance the books.

Youth Crime and Victim Statistics Debate

Youth crime became a flashpoint as Crisafulli accused the Labor government of mishandling the issue.

He argued that despite having a smaller population, Queensland had more victims of crime than New South Wales and Victoria.

“Victim numbers are at record levels,” Crisafulli said, vowing that an LNP government would significantly reduce these figures. He criticised the state’s youth justice laws, pledging comprehensive reforms and early intervention measures.

Miles countered by pointing to police data showing a decrease in overall crime this year.

He also noted that domestic violence statistics were now included in the crime figures, something that wasn’t done under the previous LNP government.

This, he said, explained some of the apparent increase in victim numbers. He defended Labor’s community safety plan, which he credited for improvements in crime rates, but admitted that more work was needed.

Healthcare Crisis: Divergent Solutions

Healthcare was another major topic of debate.

Crisafulli criticised the government for Queensland’s worsening ambulance ramping, which has risen from 15 percent to 45 percent under Labor’s watch.

“People are dying waiting for an ambulance,” he said, referencing numerous reports of patients facing excessive delays for emergency services. Ramping under the brief LNP government between 2012 to 2015 was reduced to just 22 hours in one month, however, after the LNP was removed, ramping gradually returned.

Crisafulli also highlighted that Queensland’s waiting list for elective surgery had doubled to 62,000 patients, accusing Labor of ignoring a system in crisis.

His proposed solution included a comprehensive health strategy backed by third-party medical groups, focused on reducing wait times and improving hospital infrastructure.

Miles defended Labor’s record, stating that no other state is investing more in healthcare infrastructure. He pointed out that ambulance response times have improved in certain areas, and noted ongoing projects to modernise hospitals.

Crisafulli also pushed the Labor government for failing to deliver on its pledge that rape victims would receive forensic exams within 10 minutes of arriving at a hospital. Citing an audit report, he said, “Some victims have had to wait up to nine hours, and it’s a disgrace.”

While Miles didn’t directly refute the claim, he defended his government’s health services record, saying, “Despite the challenges, we are consistently improving health services and maintaining a fully funded system.”

Olympics 2032: An Economic Boon or Burden?

The 2032 Olympics also continued to be up for debate.

Crisafulli criticised the government’s management of Olympic infrastructure, pointing to the decision to use the suburban Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) as the site for the opening ceremony a “terrible idea.”

He said, if elected, the LNP would carry out a 100 day review of infrastructure sites. He promised to create an independent authority to oversee Olympic developments, ensuring Queenslanders wouldn’t bear the financial burden of poorly planned projects.

Miles defended the government’s Olympic strategy, saying that the investments were under control and aimed at creating long-term economic benefits for the state.

He highlighted that Queenslanders are already seeing cost-of-living relief measures and reiterated the potential of the Olympics to bring international prestige and economic growth to the region.

Housing Supply Crisis

The debate over Queensland’s housing crisis focused on affordability and supply.

Crisafulli criticised the government’s housing policies, pointing out that Brisbane has become Australia’s second-most expensive city. A typical home mortgage now requires an annual income of $175,000, which is more than twice the state’s median income.

Crisafulli proposed a $2 billion fund to encourage councils to speed up the construction of housing stock and promised to increase supply by building more homes.

He rejected rent caps, calling them ineffective, and stressed that any housing developments must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure like schools and hospitals.

In response, Miles highlighted that the state government had reviewed and updated its infrastructure plan in February 2024, and was actively working to address housing shortages.

He pointed to new housing projects already underway and argued that Labor’s long-term strategy was addressing the crisis, albeit slower than desired.

Final Appeal: A Call for Trust

In their closing statements, both leaders made their final appeals to voters.

Crisafulli framed the election as a choice between crisis and change. He promised that under the LNP, Queenslanders would see reform in key areas like crime, health, and housing. He assured voters that his party was ready to lead, with a detailed plan to tackle the state’s pressing challenges.

Miles, on the other hand, positioned himself as a safe pair of hands. He reminded voters of Labor’s record, from job creation to healthcare improvements. He warned that the LNP’s plans were light on details, and cuts to essential services were likely if the opposition were to balance the budget.

Miles ended by saying, “With us, what you see is what you get.”

As the election draws near, Queensland voters are presented with two competing visions: one of continuity and stability under Labor, and another of change and fiscal discipline under the LNP.