Big Spend, Bold Promises In LNP’s First Budget

By Amanda Wright

Queensland’s new LNP Government has wasted no time making its mark, handing down a bold first budget that Premier David Crisafulli says will reset the state’s financial future.

Unveiled on Tuesday by Treasurer David Janetzki, the budget comes less than nine months after the October election win and is shaped by what he called “the biggest redistribution of GST revenue in Australian history”.

Titled Foundations for a Fresh Start, the budget outlines the new government’s priorities for economic repair and public service reform — setting a clear course for change across the Sunshine State.

The budget confirms a substantial $116.8 billion record infrastructure investment, alongside $33.1 billion for health, $21.9 billion for education, and $8.1 billion for housing. Key initiatives across Queensland include 1,600 new police recruits, 15 new schools, and a $300 voucher program for education essentials and children's sports. The government also plans for three new hospitals and ten major upgrades, promising "more free healthcare than ever before". A new "Boost to Buy" home ownership scheme and bolstered homeowner grants are also part of the housing strategy.

The budget has been met with a strong welcome from regional representatives, with particular emphasis on its benefits for the Mackay and Mirani electorates. Nigel Dalton MP, Member for Mackay, hailed the 2025-26 State Budget as a "turning point for regional Queensland" and a clear sign that Mackay is "finally being heard in Brisbane".

"This Budget isn't just words on a page — its action, its commitment, and its long-overdue recognition of our region's importance," Mr Dalton said.

"For far too long, our region has been overlooked. But this Budget changes that—Mackay is back on the map."

Mr Dalton highlighted that the budget includes significant investments in health, education, infrastructure, and sports for his electorate.

"Whether it's modernising our hospital, expanding schools, boosting frontline policing, or backing our emergency services with the equipment they need—this Budget delivers real outcomes for our community," Mr Dalton stated.

Across in the Mirani electorate, Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, also welcomed the budget as delivering for his constituents. He outlined specific election commitments confirmed, including $500,000 for an upgrade to the Inkerman Creek Boat Ramp, $3.125 million for the West Tigers Leagues Club in Walkerston, $50,000 for a tourism feasibility study in Mount Morgan, and $30,000 for the Sarina Progress Association for a business case on the Sarina Pool.

“These projects are community-driven and reflect our Government’s commitment to listening, investing and delivering, whether that’s through supporting our sporting clubs, backing local tourism opportunities, or securing the future of community infrastructure like the Sarina Pool,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly further noted broader regional benefits, including $9 billion for the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with "over 400kms of the Bruce within my electorate this is incredibly important in reducing the death toll on our most travelled road". He also highlighted the "$100 million Country Roads Connect program will help our councils to improve the durability and reliability of our regional road networks with no co-contribution from the council and I encourage all of our councils to nominate roads for the program".

"Our small communities, those of Sarina, the Pioneer Valley, Mount Morgan, Marlborough and all the small surrounding areas are no longer forgotten and I will keep working to make sure that the electorate of Mirani doesn’t miss out under this government," Mr Kelly said.

Mr Dalton stated that the budget "marks a return to responsible government after years of neglect".

"Queenslanders elected this government to clean up the mess—and that's exactly what we're doing," he said.

"We're rebuilding trust in public services, restoring discipline to the state's finances, and delivering for the regions that drive our economy."

Mr Dalton commended the Treasurer and his team for putting together a "responsible, forward-thinking Budget under difficult circumstances".

"This is a Budget for the people. It recognises that regional Queensland is not just an economic engine, but the heart and soul of our state," and "it sends a clear message: Mackay Matters".

The budget outlines key priorities: "Safety where you live" with enhanced policing and youth intervention; "A better lifestyle through a stronger economy" with targeted cost-of-living relief; "Health services where you need them" focusing on reduced ambulance ramping and increased beds; and "A plan for Queensland’s future" including generational infrastructure projects like "The Wave" to Sunshine Coast Airport and Faster Rail to the Gold Coast.

Despite the government's optimistic outlook, the Labor Opposition has voiced concerns. Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman defended their previous government's financial record.

“When we left office we had a stable rating from ratings agencies, that’s a fact,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We had a (debt) figure of $172 billion, that’s a fact.” Ms Fentiman criticised the new government's approach. “We have now had an outlook downgrade since the LNP have been in office, since they handed down MYFER, and we now have a debt figure that’s higher despite them promising it would be lower.”

A key point of contention from the Opposition is the perceived absence of promised relief, with Ms Fentiman asserting, “There is none of the promised cost of living relief.”

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Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, David Janetzki MP

Premier David Crisafulli meets with frontline police officers before the release of the 2025–26 State Budget, which includes funding for 1600 new police recruits as part of a renewed focus on community safety. Photos supplied

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