It was a tighter contest than expected, but Labor’s loss in the state election has sent a warning shot to the federal government.
The ballot box count marked a change for Queensland but was also closely watched at a national level.
“It isn’t just a Queensland problem it’s a national problem. It’s a warning sign to Labor that it needs to start working out how to actually appeal to these communities,” Redbridge Group director Kos Samaris told the ABC’s Insiders.
A blue wave is breaking through Labor’s sea of red across the states and territories.
It started in the Northern Territory in August when the Country Liberal Party shattered Labor, and now Queensland, with the LNP ending Labor’s nine-year reign.
“That’s a big effort. That’s a big swing,” Nationals leader David Littleproud told Weekend Today.
Queensland voters sent a clear message to Labor, and it’ll be one the federal government keeps a close eye on, less than six months out from the next election.
“The outcome was much better for Queensland Labor than what was anticipated just weeks ago let alone months ago,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said
As Albanese dished out sweet treats in Sydney today, he also issued a serve to the Greens, who suffered a swing against them.
“I think there’s a big message in this for (federal Greens leader) Adam Bandt,” he said.
The PM phoned premier-elect David Crisafulli with a message of congratulations.
“We have a big job to do both through our bilateral relationship but also the national cabinet,” Albanese said.
“I look forward to working with him as I look forward to working opposition Leader peter Dutton,” Crissafulli said.
