His opponent,Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk,slid three points during the same period to 39 per cent.
The Crisafulli uptick is slight,and within the poll’s margin of error,but in glass-half-full sporting parlance,he could be said to have significant “upside”.
The reason for that is his recognition,or lack thereof. Only 58 per cent of the almost-1000 respondents from across the state said they knew who he was,compared to Palaszczuk,who,after eight years as premier,is at saturation levels of 98 per cent.
In short,polled Queenslanders who knew of both were more likely to fall on the side of the challenger.
This presents obvious opportunities for Crisafulli and the LNP. The state election is still 18 months away,and he has made ground on the premier even as a comparative unknown.
Yet,he’s been leader for more than two years. The fact that his recognition level has not moved since the previous poll suggests something needs to change. Or,a more sombre question for team LNP:Does he have the ability,charisma and policy acumen to cut through at all?
The LNP collective has made gains on Labor since the 2020 election,but none in the latest reporting period of January to April,when youth crime,the housing crunch,various health-sector debacles and the rising cost of living were at the fore.