Queensland election: D-Day for Premier Steven Miles and opponent David Crisafulli as voters cast final ballots

D-day has finally arrived for the two men vying for Queensland’s top job.

Voters will cast their final ballots on Saturday, ensuring a nervous wait for Premier Steven Miles and opponent David Crisafulli.

Liberal National Party leader Mr Crisafulli was tipped to end Labor’s nine-year reign after dominating polling early.

But Mr Miles has made up ground during an eventful four-week campaign, indicating the race may yet feature a photo finish.

Nearly half the state have already made up their minds, having voted early as the leaders traded barbs during a rollercoaster campaign that included three debates.

The remainder will enjoy a democracy sausage on Saturday, with Labor hoping to secure a fourth straight term and the LNP aiming to form its first government since Campbell Newman’s 2012-2015 stint as premier.

Labor has governed Queensland for 30 of the past 35 years.

However, Mr Miles is aiming for a first full term as premier after taking the reins from Annastacia Palaszczuk who tearfully resigned in December.

In his final voter pitch, he said he had used the past 10 months to show what sort of leader he would be for Queensland if elected.

He highlighted his 50 cent public transport fares, $1000 energy rebates and vow to build one million homes by 2046.

“I’m going to this election seeking a mandate in my own right, to keep doing more of those kinds of things,” he said.

Both leaders have campaigned hard on key issues: youth crime, housing, health and cost-of-living pressures.

But abortion also emerged as a major talking point after a crossbencher vowed to repeal the legislation if elected.

Abortion was decriminalised in Queensland in 2018 but Mr Crisafulli has been under enormous pressure during the past fortnight, repeatedly refusing to explain how he would guarantee the law would not change.

It has coincided with the LNP’s dip in the polls.

The latest Newspoll for The Australian showed Mr Miles rated a better premier at 45 per cent compared with 42 per cent for Mr Crisafulli.

However, the LNP remained ahead on a two-party preferred basis at 52-47 per cent.

The LNP did not reveal its costings until Thursday, including changes that would save almost $7 billion on consultancies and contractors.

Labor claimed it meant a cut to public service jobs to keep the budget in the black.

“He can’t give anyone a straight answer and with change comes risk,” Mr Miles said of the LNP leader.

Mr Crisafulli shrugged it off, promising a fresh start if elected.

The LNP has focused on youth crime, promising adult sentences for serious offences and expanding intervention programs.

“I just need Queenslanders to know when I say I’m going to do something, I’ll do it,” he said.

He said Labor’s years in power had led to a lack of accountability or transparency.

“It’s getting worse and for the sake of this great state, Queenslanders have to vote for change,” he said.