This paper analyses the social and economic challenges facing Queenslanders, across four key metrics of government finances, the Queensland economy, public services, and law and order. The note establishes that on these metrics Queensland has been declining over the past decade, and will continue to decline in the absence of corrective action by the state government.

Key findings

• A deteriorating budget position will produce cumulative budget deficits of $72 billion between 2024 and 2028.
• Net debt will triple by 2028.
• Per capita economic growth was the lowest of all states between the 2013 and 2023 financial years.
• Growth in public sector jobs is approximately double the growth in private sector jobs between 2014 and 2024.
• Jobs growth is concentrated in the public sector and private investment has fallen sharply. 
• Electricity costs have become more volatile and have risen sharply since 2020.
• Per capita economic growth has been weak compared to other states.
• Approvals for new housing is lower now than in 2014, contributing to the state’s housing challenge.
• Frontline police numbers have fallen and violent crime has risen 45 per cent in a decade. 
• The incarceration rate increased by 29 per cent between 2014 and 2023.