Housing and Crime: The LNP’s Failing Promise to Queenslanders

The latest snapshot of voter sentiment in Queensland from the Resolve Political Monitor shows that the Crisafulli government’s promises on housing and crime have not been met with satisfaction. As the halfway point of their first term approaches, it is clear that these two issues will define the challenges facing the LNP.

Voter ratings for the government’s housing efforts have dropped significantly, with only 22% now considering them “good,” down from 31% just one year ago. Crime sentiment has also taken a hit, with a decline in voter approval from 45 to 37% over the past 12 months. These statistics represent the lived experiences of Queenslanders who have been promised solutions but continue to struggle.

The LNP’s response to these concerns has been piecemeal and misguided. Releasing government-owned land to developers may seem like a good idea, but it ignores the root causes of the housing crisis: affordability and access. The government’s reliance on financial help for first-home buyers only serves to entrench existing power dynamics in the market.

The LNP’s approach to crime has been heavy-handed and short-sighted. Tightening youth justice bail laws raises concerns about whether this will truly address the problem or simply lead to more young people being locked up. Extending these measures to adults erodes civil liberties further.

Labor’s recent town hall meetings demonstrate a willingness to engage with the community on these issues, even if their intentions are seen as cynical. Listening is crucial for problem-solving, and it remains to be seen whether the LNP will follow suit.

As the halfway point of the LNP’s term approaches, voters are losing patience. The government would do well to take heed of this trend and reconsider its approach on housing and crime. But will they? Or will they continue down the path of electoral expediency, ignoring the people who put them in office?

The implications of these trends extend beyond Queensland’s borders, too. Other states and territories are grappling with similar challenges, and it is clear that the LNP is not alone in its struggles to address housing and crime. A broader conversation about what we mean by “affordable housing” and how we can create more inclusive communities may be necessary.

The Resolve Political Monitor’s findings should serve as a wake-up call to the LNP and voters themselves. What do they want from their government on these issues? How do they want problems addressed? And what role will they play in holding elected officials accountable for their promises?

As we move forward, one thing is certain: the next few months will be a crucial test of the LNP’s mettle. Will they rise to the challenge and deliver meaningful solutions to Queenslanders, or will they continue down the path of empty promises and missed opportunities? Only time will tell.