"We will keep our promises and we will not let you down. You have
spoken decisively and emphatically and delivered a strong government so
we can deliver for you and get this great state back on track," Mr
Newman said, flanked by his family.
"We are all humbled by the responsibility you have given us, a responsibility that weighs heavily but is cheerfully accepted. "I
pledge to you that we will conduct ourselves with humility, grace and
dignity. We will work for all Queenslanders, regardless of their vote
today.
"We don't underestimate the task ahead. It will be hard, it
will be long, but we will get on with the job. The job starts tomorrow
morning.' Mr Newman paid special tribute to Ms Bligh,
acknowledging her "inspirational leadership" through the 2011 floods and
Cyclone Yasi and led the applause. He also acknowledged his opponent
and thanked Ms Jones for her "service and hard work".
Labor
appeared to be reduced to a netball team of seven, a far cry from the
cricket team most political commentators had predicted.
The LNP
looked like inflicting a staggering 16 per cent swing against Labor. Ms
Bligh had been in the fight of her political life in her own South
Brisbane seat, with little-known LNP candidate Clem Grehan leading for
most of the night. But Ms Bligh snuck ahead with about a quarter of the
count remaining.
A smiling, surprisingly upbeat Ms Bligh said Queensland voters had made their choice clear. "It's
absolutely clear tonight that Queenslanders have spoken with the
strongest possible voice and they have voted for a change of
government," she said. "I congratulate the Liberal National Party on
what has been a historic victory."
She had special praise for her deputy, Andrew Fraser, who faced defeat
in Mount Coot-tha, describing him as "one of the most decent human
beings I have ever met".Ms Bligh said the controversial asset
sales were absolutely necessary in the global financial crisis in order
to hold on to jobs and she had no regrets
