2012 Queensland State Election Intro

[Stillwater]

The twists and turns of a state poll:

http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/01/10/its-a-tall-order-for-labor-to-stand-tall-in-queensland-poll/

http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/01/09/polls-bound-bligh-and-newman-on-bushfire-alert/

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2012/01/ashgrove-politician-watch.html
Ashgrove campaigning latest!

[Stillwater]

Does anybody believe that the LNP will have a reasonably comprehensive transport policy in place by the time the state election is called, apart from 'only an LNP government will spend money on critical infrastructure -- vote for us'?  And what does it say about a potential new government if it didn't have a transport policy?

[ozbob]

Does anybody believe that the LNP will have a reasonably comprehensive transport policy in place by the time the state election is called, apart from 'only an LNP government will spend money on critical infrastructure -- vote for us'?  And what does it say about a potential new government if it didn't have a transport policy?

I am just amazed at the policy vacuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum ....

[Stillwater]

The formation of the LNP was, essentially, a takeover of the Liberal Party by the Nationals.  The Nationals have been more concerned about roads in the bush, and we can see that by the policies on the LNP website dealing with the Bruce Highway and roads to major resource centres.  Others here have commented on Campbell Newman's per-occupations with tunnels and such, so we have to be content with a few add-ons like free travel after nine journeys, a couple of flyovers at several level crossings and extra platform capacity at South Brisbane and Southbank.  

For all the noise the LNP made about a transport policy, very little has eventuated.  Just look at the grab bag of ideas in the discussion paper on its website.

I just wonder how much some of the Libs in the party feel frustrated, and can the party discipline hold together while Anna Bligh sweats them out on the election date.

[ozbob]

This election will be the most lively, perhaps vicious that this state has even seen IMHO.

Dirt, vitriole and quips.  Policies??  Don't you worry about that ...

If enough non-Newman-aligned LNP types get elected, Mr Newman could end up as not premier    ...  you are right, all are not happy in their bus ...

[Golliwog]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2012/01/ashgrove-politician-watch.html
Ashgrove campaigning latest!

Saw an LNP man with an A frame on the lawn bowls side of the station this morning as my train whizzed through.

Don't forget Bob, Newman already came out and said he wouldn't do a deal to make a coalition like Labor did Federally. Either the LNP gets in on its own, Newman goes back on his word, or they don't get in at all (assuming they get the votes that is).

[Stillwater]

Hummmm, maybe a letterbox drop in Ashgrove pointing out the sparse details of an LNP transport policy.   

[mufreight]

Hummmm, maybe a letterbox drop in Ashgrove pointing out the sparse details of an LNP transport policy.   

And Indooroopilly as well perhaps.   

[Stillwater]

Is this a sign of an early election?  A contributor to the Sunshine Coast Daily yesterday reports that she went to the movies in the past few days.  Among the ads preceding the main feature film was one from the ALP bagging Campbell Newman personally.  Ms Vicki Stewart queried whether the state government or the ALP party political machine was paying for the ad and went on to say: "Is that the last of the government's integrity now gone altogether?  Surely there has to be some form of accountability about this kind of advertising before the election is called.  I shudder to think what we will be exposed to once we are actually in the election (period)."  Has anyone else seen these advertisements at the movies?

[somebody]

'Twas in the news last night that the early release of a health report implied an election might be called this week.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Stillwater]

This from the LNP website: "The CanDo LNP team will plan for the future not live for the media cycle."          

[Mr X]

No sign of the LNP existing in South Brisbane electorate so far. No sign of Anna Bligh either. 

[mufreight]

This from the LNP website: "The CanDo LNP team will plan for the future not live for the media cycle."          

The only cycle that can be relied upon comming from the LNP is the BUY Cycle, you will pay extortinate prices for everything!   

This post courtesy of the NO CAN DO MOB.

[SurfRail]

No sign of the LNP existing in South Brisbane electorate so far. No sign of Anna Bligh either. 

I've encountered her around Grey Street and Little Stanley Street many times, usually when eating dinner (occasionally at the same restaurant).

As to any official sense - you're no doubt correct.

[Golliwog]

Is this a sign of an early election?  A contributor to the Sunshine Coast Daily yesterday reports that she went to the movies in the past few days.  Among the ads preceding the main feature film was one from the ALP bagging Campbell Newman personally.  Ms Vicki Stewart queried whether the state government or the ALP party political machine was paying for the ad and went on to say: "Is that the last of the government's integrity now gone altogether?  Surely there has to be some form of accountability about this kind of advertising before the election is called.  I shudder to think what we will be exposed to once we are actually in the election (period)."  Has anyone else seen these advertisements at the movies?

Yeah, I saw it this weekend at the south bank cinemas. Pretty sure it was the same one that was on tv a while ago.

[Gazza]

So who has the no policy zone, really?

Greens are pretty well set out on their site http://qld.greens.org.au/policies/qld all categorised etc.

Katters, well, they cover some stuff, but its very narrow, cant see anything on the general stuff Health, Education, Transport etc http://www.ausparty.org.au/issues.html

LNP, well a bit of a list, and there is an actual full explanation about the FGY frequency policy pdf in it all too http://lnp.org.au/policies

Labor: Well, there is no actual policy set, just a bunch of blog entries from various members eg http://www.queenslandlabor.org/category/infrastructure/

[aldonius]

Well, the Greens have made their policy for this election public...
http://qld.greens.org.au/policies/transport-2
... and bar a couple of commas, it's identical to their previous policy. Make of that what you will...

[#Metro]

Build a light rail network in Brisbane as an upgrade to the busway network that will complement the heavy passenger rail network.

Sigh. Wrong mode! It needs to go to SUBWAY levels of capacity.

Dual track all single track rail and investigate the demand in the Doomben-Pinkenba line in order to determine whether electrification would lead to increased public transport use in the area.

This seems new.

Provide funds for the reconfiguration of key rail infrastructure to reduce the number of facing moves. This will allow better timetabling and, coupled with new rollingstock, will increase the capacity of the existing rail network.

What is a facing move?

Investigate the feasibility of re-opening the Bethania-Beaudesert rail spur to provide greater public transport coverage outside of Brisbane.

Ugh. I am against 'rail everywhere'. The best rail systems are also the simplest and most concentrated. i.e. Toronto. FEWER stations and lines than Brisbane, but worked much harder.

[petey3801]

Provide funds for the reconfiguration of key rail infrastructure to reduce the number of facing moves. This will allow better timetabling and, coupled with new rollingstock, will increase the capacity of the existing rail network.

What is a facing move?

I imagine they mean conflicting movements

[Gazza]

They need to delete the line about busway stations needing ticket machines.

[aldonius]

Dual track all single track rail and investigate the demand in the Doomben-Pinkenba line in order to determine whether electrification would lead to increased public transport use in the area.

This seems new.

It's not. They haven't changed anything from last time.

[somebody]

In all my life, I can't remember a government running up the white flag like Anna Bligh's has.  Even the loathed NSW govt kept trying until the end.

[ozbob]

Very disappointing campaign, both sides. Labor botched it completely, LNP are getting there mainly by default.

The real test is yet to come.

[ozbob]

Question?  Does anyone know how many seats are required to be an official opposition?  ALP will struggle to make it??

[Stillwater]

For a party to be officially recognised in the Parliament and to receive party status support (money for administration and staff), I believe the number to be 10 seats.

[Fares_Fair]

I concur that that was my recollection from the 1998 Qld state election, when the Liberals were decimated, and One Nation hit the headlines.
Perhaps a tweet to Antony Green could confirm this.

[Arnz]

It was the 2001 election.  Nationals were reduced to 12 members, and the coalition agreement was split, thus Qld Liberals were standing alone (as a minor party) with only 3 members.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland_state_election,_2001

[Mr X]

And the ALP had something like 66 seats!

[somebody]

Prediction of 16 ALP seats, here: http://www.tallyroom.com.au/10841#more-10841

[Stillwater]

Hummmmm..... 'I expect the LNP to gain all four Labor seats on the Gold Coast and the last remaining Labor seat on the Sunshine Coast.'  Labor holds no seats on the Sunshine Coast, hence the government's disinterest in the region.

[ozbob]

I saw a report that indicated SportsBet had started paying out on bets placed before 11.30am this morning on the LNP!  Crikey ... that's what the final advertising botch lead to (the white flag).

If I was a member of the ALP I would be very very upset with the effort made for this election. Completely off track, failed to highlight what the ALP did actually achieve and played the man not the ball.

I am watching Question Time in Fed Parliament at the moment Abbot is moving a suspension to standing  orders in part claiming that the election on Saturday in Queensland will be a vote against the carbon tax.

No Tony, it is not ...

[SurfRail]

The only person who has mentioned the carbon tax in any way shape or form is him (except for the LNP's stunt policy of having the imposition of extra cost noted on power bills, which conveniently ignores the compensation the vast majority of people will end up getting).

[Fares_Fair]

Hummmmm..... 'I expect the LNP to gain all four Labor seats on the Gold Coast and the last remaining Labor seat on the Sunshine Coast.'  Labor holds no seats on the Sunshine Coast, hence the government's disinterest in the region.

do you mean Nicklin, the independent seat?

[somebody]

Hummmmm..... 'I expect the LNP to gain all four Labor seats on the Gold Coast and the last remaining Labor seat on the Sunshine Coast.'  Labor holds no seats on the Sunshine Coast, hence the government's disinterest in the region.

do you mean Nicklin, the independent seat?

We don't know what he means, but yes, that may be it.

[Stillwater]

Peter Wellington will hold Nicklin, particularly after the tricks the LNP tried in this seat to get John Connolly up.

[Mr X]

Anna Bligh, Vicky Darling and Rachel Nolan should be returning. Plus around 7 or 8 other members.

The rest of her ministry should be very worried.

[somebody]

Anna Bligh, Vicky Darling and Rachel Nolan should be returning. Plus around 7 or 8 other members.

The rest of her ministry should be very worried.

Not Rachel Nolan.  She'll deservedly be cast aside.

[ozbob]

The Minister for Transport Ms Palaszczuk Member for Inala will be returned, as will the Member for Bundamba Ms Jo-Ann Miller I expect.

To be honest, the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts Ms Nolan might struggle.

[Mr X]

The Minister for Transport Ms Palaszczuk Member for Inala will be returned, as will the Member for Bundamba Ms Jo-Ann Miller I expect.

To be honest, the Minister for Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts Ms Nolan might struggle.

Both of them should be fine. Rachel Nolan might be returned, just with a hefty swing (10-15%). The last poll I saw had her ahead butnstill within striking distance of the LNP.