In a surprising turn of events, Queensland’s newly minted LNP premier David Crisafulli has unveiled a cabinet that diverges from his repeated pre-election pledges to automatically elevate his shadow ministry team to the government frontbench. The reshuffle, announced just days after the LNP’s decisive election victory, includes several unexpected changes that have raised eyebrows among political observers and voters alike.
Crisafulli’s Broken Promise
Throughout the campaign, Crisafulli had emphatically assured Queenslanders that the shadow cabinet he led to the election would seamlessly transition to become the post-election cabinet. As recently as three days before the vote, he reiterated this commitment, emphasizing the importance of stability and continuity. However, the makeup of his ministry tells a different story.
“I’ve said that many times, the cabinet, the shadow cabinet I’m taking to the election, will be the shadow, will be the cabinet after the election, if we’re elected to government,” Crisafulli declared on October 23. “And it’s important that Queenslanders know that there’s great stability.”
– David Crisafulli, October 23
Yet stability seems to have taken a backseat in the new premier’s calculations. Several key portfolios have seen shake-ups, with some shadow ministers shifted to new roles or left out of cabinet entirely.
Nicholls Takes Health, Bates Moved
One of the most notable changes sees former leader Tim Nicholls assume the critical health portfolio, replacing shadow health minister Ros Bates. Bates, a registered nurse who had forcefully prosecuted the health brief in opposition, requested a “new challenge” according to Crisafulli. She has been appointed as minister for finance, trade, employment and training.
The decision to install Nicholls, a lawyer and former treasurer under Campbell Newman, in the health role amid the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and a stretched hospital system has drawn scrutiny. It remains to be seen how his skillset will align with the demands of the portfolio.
Rowan Out, Simpson In
Christian Rowan, the shadow education minister, has not been awarded a ministry, instead being named leader of the house. The decision to overlook Rowan, a former doctor, for the health role in favor of Nicholls adds to the intrigue surrounding Crisafulli’s selections.
Meanwhile, veteran Sunshine Coast MP Fiona Simpson has been elevated to the frontbench, taking on the roles of minister for women, women’s economic security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships, and multiculturalism. Simpson’s appointment has drawn attention due to controversial past comments regarding homosexuality and her vote against decriminalizing abortion in 2018.
Ministry Makeup Raises Questions
Crisafulli’s cabinet has already faced critique for its composition. More than two-thirds of the 19-member ministry are men, with only six women appointed. Additionally, the new government will not have dedicated ministries for climate change, the Great Barrier Reef, or mental health, while responsibility for tourism now falls under the environment portfolio.
The presence of a minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games also suggests a shift in priorities for the incoming administration. How these ministerial arrangements will shape policy and service delivery remains a pivotal question as the new government begins its term.
Queenslanders Await Answers
As the 57th Parliament prepares to convene, Queenslanders will be keenly observing how Crisafulli’s cabinet navigates the challenges facing the state. The premier’s willingness to reshuffle his team, despite explicit campaign commitments to the contrary, may invite scrutiny of his leadership and decision-making going forward.
With trust in politics fragile and expectations high, the performance of Crisafulli’s ministry will be closely watched. Queenslanders will soon see whether this reconfigured frontbench can deliver on the LNP’s campaign pledges and provide the stable, effective government the state needs.
