Brief
Queensland poll shows voters favour spending cuts over tax hikes to fix budget
Half of Queensland voters say reducing spending is the best way to repair the budget, while only a minority back One Nation to manage finances.
By Felo News Desk · Published
New Resolve Political Monitor surveyed 434 Queensland voters between Oct. 6‑10 and found 49% would prefer the state cut spending to tackle its debt and deficit, according to a poll published on Oct. 15.
What happened
The poll asked respondents how the state should reduce debt and deficit. Reducing spending received the strongest support at 49%, followed by privatising, selling or leasing assets at 12% and raising taxes or charges at 10%. Another 29% chose none of the three options or were unsure. The survey also measured party preferences for economic management: 35% named the Crisafulli LNP government as the better manager, 21% chose Labor’s Steven Miles, and only 13% said One Nation would be best, rising to 15% in marginal seats.
What the reports add
The poll was conducted after S&P Global downgraded Queensland’s credit rating from AA+ to AA in September, citing heightened deficits linked to Olympic‑related infrastructure spending. Treasurer David Janetzki said the downgrade reflected the former Labor government’s actions but noted his government has avoided politically sensitive measures such as tax hikes or service cuts that S&P suggested.
What was said
"Although S&P would have preferred Queensland to raise taxes, reduce services and stop building, those are decisions we are not willing to make," Janetzki said in a statement, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
How it came about
The poll arrives at the halfway point of the parliamentary term, with both major parties turning attention to the 2028 state election. Earlier this year, Queensland faced its first credit‑rating downgrade in 17 years, prompting the government to defend its fiscal approach while voters expressed a clear preference for spending cuts over tax increases.
Key facts
- 49% of surveyed Queensland voters prefer cutting spending to reduce debt and deficit. (smh.com.au)
- Only 13% of voters think One Nation would manage the budget best, rising to 15% in marginal seats. (smh.com.au)
- S&P Global downgraded Queensland's credit rating from AA+ to AA in September 2026. (smh.com.au)
- 35% of respondents favor the Crisafulli LNP government as the better economic manager, versus 21% for Labor. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Qld political poll: Voters prefer a reduction in spending as way to fix budget”
