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David Crisafulli: Queensland’s new premier reshaping the state with bold reforms 

In October 2024, leader of the Liberal National Party (LNP) David Crisafulli was sworn in as Queensland’s 41st premier, ending nearly a decade of Labor rule. His premiership, still in its early months, has been marked by decisive action on youth crime, a pragmatic approach to energy, cost-saving measures for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and a firm stance against international and federal overreach. Crisafulli’s leadership has also been tested by Queensland’s vulnerability to natural disasters, while his controversial policies have sparked debate. How does he compare to other Australian premiers and how does he position Queensland against the federal Labor government? This article explores Crisafulli’s successes, challenges and distinct approach. 

Tackling youth crime: A signature success 

Crisafulli’s campaign was anchored on addressing Queensland’s Youth Crime Crisis, a narrative he amplified as opposition leader. His flagship ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ policy passed into law by December 2024, allows juveniles who commit serious offences like murder and manslaughter to be tried and sentenced as adults, with mandatory life sentences for child murderers in some cases. The legislation also removed detention as a last resort and prioritised victims ‘rights over offenders’. By March 2025, more than 20 deployments of the Queensland Police State Flying Squad targeted crime hotspots, signaling a proactive approach to enforcement. 

While critics including Amnesty International and the United Nations argue these laws violate child rights, Crisafulli’s government points to early data showing a decline in youth crime incidents in targeted areas. His commitment to reducing victim numbers - initially a raw figure, later clarified as per capita - remains a key performance indicator. Criminologists note that population growth makes raw reductions challenging, but Crisafulli’s focus on victim-centered metrics has resonated with Queenslanders frustrated by rising crime rates under Labor. His pledge to resign if victim numbers don’t fall by 2028 underscores his accountability, though some see it as a risky political gamble. 

Resisting international influence 

Crisafulli has positioned himself as a defender of Queensland’s sovereignty, particularly against international frameworks he views as infringing on state autonomy. In November 2024, he repealed the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and suspended the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry, citing the 2023 Indigenous Voice referendum’s rejection as evidence of public sentiment. This move drew protests from First Nations groups, who argue it undermines reconciliation efforts. Crisafulli counters that his government will deliver ‘better outcomes’ for Indigenous Queenslanders through homeownership and economic opportunities, not symbolic gestures. 

Additionally, his administration has resisted federal Labor’s influence on social policy, notably supporting a national ban on under 16’s using social media. By aligning with federal Labor on this issue while rejecting international critiques of his youth justice laws Crisafulli walks a fine line, asserting Queensland’s priorities while selectively engaging with Canberra. 

Energy policies: Pragmatism over ideology 

Crisafulli’s energy policies reflect a centrist, cost-focused approach. In November 2024, he cancelled the $37 billion Pioneer-Burdekin hydro project, a cornerstone of Labor’s renewable transition arguing it was too costly. Instead, he introduced an Energy Maintenance Guarantee to maximise the output of Queensland’s young coal-fired power stations, which he claims have been under utilised. This move aims to lower electricity prices - a key cost-of-living concern for Queenslanders. 

While committed to net zero by 2050, Crisafulli has distanced himself from the federal Coalition’s push for nuclear energy, calling it a “Canberra debate”. His focus on upgrading existing infrastructure and exploring pumped hydro for storage has drawn praise for its practicality, but criticism from environmentalists who argue it delays Queensland’s renewable transition. Compared to other premiers, Crisafulli’s energy stance is less ambitious than South Australia’s renewable-heavy agenda, but aligns with New South Wales’ focus on balancing affordability and emissions reduction. 

Reining in the Olympic program 

Crisafulli’s approach to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics has prioritised fiscal responsibility. Rejecting Labor’s $3.4 billion plan for a new Victoria Park stadium and the costly Gabba upgrade, he opted to refurbish existing venues like Suncorp Stadium. His government launched a 100-day review under the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority to ensure cost efficiency and legacy benefits. This pragmatic shift has been lauded by taxpayers, but criticised by some Olympic officials who fear it could compromise the global image of the games. 

Compared to other premiers, Crisafulli’s cost-cutting mirrors Victoria’s decision to scale back the 2026 Commonwealth Games before its cancellation. His collaboration with federal sports minister Anika Wells, a Queenslander, suggests a willingness to work across party lines to secure federal funding, a contrast to more confrontational state-federal dynamics elsewhere. 

Natural disaster response: Building resilience 

Queensland’s exposure to floods, cyclones and bushfires has tested Crisafulli’s leadership. As Minister for Community Recovery and Resilience from 2013 to 2015, he earned praise for coordinating recovery efforts post Cyclone Yasi. As premier, he has prioritised infrastructure resilience, re-establishing the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to oversee upgrades to this critical artery, which serves two-thirds of Queenslanders. His government secured $7.2 billion in federal funding for the highway, emphasising long-term planning over short-term political wins. 

In early 2025, Crisafulli’s response to seasonal flooding in North Queensland was swift, with preemptive deployments of emergency services and clear communication to affected communities. While specific outcomes are still emerging, his experience and proactive stance have bolstered public confidence, setting him apart from premiers criticised for reactive disaster management, such as during Victoria’s 2022 floods. 

Controversial policies: A polarising agenda 

Crisafulli’s policies have not been without controversy. His youth justice reforms, particularly solitary confinement for young offenders, have drawn international condemnation. His ban on parliamentary debates about abortion until 2028, despite his stated support for a ‘woman’s right to choose’, has frustrated both pro-choice and pro-life advocates. Critics argue this stifles democratic debate, while supporters see it as neutralising a divisive issue. 

His decision to block a native title claim by the Woppaburra people over Great Keppel Island has also sparked backlash, with Indigenous groups accusing him of prioritising economic interests over cultural rights. These moves contrast with Labor premiers like South Australia’s Peter Malinauskas, who has advanced Indigenous voice initiatives, highlighting Crisafulli’s more conservative stance. 

Other successes: Housing and health 

Beyond crime and energy Crisafulli has delivered on housing and health promises. He abolished stamp duty on new builds for first-home buyers, a move that has already spurred applications. The Housing Ministerial Taskforce is exploring innovative solutions, like unlocking church and charity land for community housing. In health, his $590 million Easier Access to Health Services Plan includes real-time hospital data to reduce triage pressures and a 30% target for cutting ambulance ramping by 2028. The appointment of Tim Nicholls as health minister, despite past controversies, signals a focus on experienced leadership to tackle Queensland’s hospital crisis. 

Comparison to other Australian premiers 

Crisafulli’s pragmatic, small-target strategy sets him apart from other premiers. Unlike New South Wales premier Chris Minns, who balances progressive social policies with economic caution, Crisafulli leans conservative on social issues while emphasising fiscal discipline. His youth crime focus aligns with Western Australia’s Roger Cook’s tough-on-crime rhetoric, but contrasts with Victoria’s Jacinta Allan’s rehabilitation-focused approach. His energy policies are less green than South Australia’s Malinauskas, but more progressive than Tasmania’s Jeremy Rockliff, who faces similar coal-reliance challenges. 

Against the federal Labor government under Anthony Albanese, Crisafulli maintains a cooperative yet assertive stance. His alignment on social media bans and Olympic funding contrasts with his rejection of Labor’s Indigenous treaty framework, positioning him as a state-first leader who picks battles strategically. 

Standing against the Labor legacy 

Crisafulli’s narrative of a ‘Fresh Start for Queensland’ frames Labor’s nine year rule as chaotic, marked by youth crime spikes, hospital overcrowding and cost-of-living pressures. His 100-day plan, completed in February 2025, delivered 43 commitments, including permanent 50-cent public transport fares and a Child Safety System Inquiry. Former premier Steven Miles has accused Crisafulli of breaking promises such as reshuffling his shadow cabinet, but Crisafulli’s disciplined campaign and majority win—53 seats to Labor’s 35—suggest Queenslanders embraced his vision over Labor’s. 

The final word 

David Crisafulli’s premiership so far has been defined by bold moves on youth crime, pragmatic energy and Olympic policies and a focus on Queensland’s economic and social priorities. His resistance to international and federal influence underscores a state-centric approach, while his disaster preparedness builds on past experience. Controversial policies, particularly on youth justice and Indigenous issues, have polarised opinion, but his measurable successes in housing, health and crime reduction signal a government intent on delivery. Compared to other premiers, Crisafulli’s blend of conservatism and pragmatism is unique, positioning him as a formidable counterpoint to federal Labor. As Queensland navigates the road to 2032, Crisafulli’s ability to balance accountability, controversy and ambition will shape his legacy. 

Sources: ABC News, The Guardian, Wikipedia, Queensland Parliament, SEC Newgate Australia, Queensland Government Ministerial Statementsweb:0,1,2,3,4,5,6,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,18,19,21,23,24