Queensland’s leadership hopefuls believe they have well and truly stepped from the shadows of their predecessors as the state election countdown enters single digits. 

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition leader David Crisafulli each spruiked four-year plans for the Sunshine State at the second of three leadership debates on Wednesday.

The one-hour panel forum was filled with political barbs and accusations. 

But leading to a rare moment of agreement, the two men were asked if they had successfully shelved the demons of their former leaders.

“I reckon I have. I’m pretty proud of what we’ve been able to do over these last 10 months,” Mr Miles said.

He then pointed to the government’s $1000 energy rebates, 20 per cent off car registration and 50c public transport fares introduced in his time since the departure of predecessor Annastacia Palaszczuk, as well as election commitments aimed at further reprieve.

Before throwing to Mr Crisafulli, the premier said his opponent had maintained life in Queensland was better a decade ago under the former LNP government and leader, Campbell Newman.

Mr Newman was sensationally voted out after one term while enjoying the largest majority of seats in state history due to controversies including public service cuts.

Mr Crisafulli, who is tipped to form government on October 26, rebutted with the claim that Queenslanders told him every day the past nine years under Labor had been tough.

“Crime victim numbers show it, hospital ramping numbers show it, the number of people on the social housing waiting list show it and the big kitchen table bills show it,” he said.

“Mr Newman’s made a decision to join another political party – he’s now campaigning against me at this election,” he added, referring to the former premier’s decision to quit the LNP for the Liberal Democrats, now known as the Libertarians, in 2021.

“I don’t have to run away from a record of a government I’ve been involved in for the last 10 years because Mr Newman has made a different decision and gone in a different direction, and I don’t wish him any ill.”

Mr Crisafulli, after making headlines in the opening debate of the campaign over a commitment to step down should crime rates fail to subside, staked his leadership on the line again.

He also said abortion laws – an issue which has been troublesome for him since the campaign began – would be maintained under an LNP government. 

However, Mr Miles suggested his rival could not be trusted on the pledge because he had refused to put on record a position on his abortion beliefs.

Mr Crisafulli voted against termination of pregnancy laws in 2018 and was specifically asked about his beliefs at the debate but did not provide an answer.

This post was originally published on Michael West.