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Queensland (locally /ˈkwiːnzlænd/ KWEENZ-land,[note 1] commonly abbreviated as QLD) is a state in northeastern Australia, the second-largest and third-most populous state in Australia. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south, respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean; to the state's north is the Torres Strait, separating the Australian mainland from Papua New Guinea, and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the north-west. With an area of 1,723,030 square kilometres (665,270 sq mi), Queensland is the world's sixth-largest subnational entity; it is larger than all but 16 countries. Due to its size, Queensland's geographical features and climates are diverse, and include tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges and white sandy beaches in its tropical and sub-tropical coastal regions, as well as deserts and savanna in the semi-arid and desert climatic regions of its interior.

Key Information

Queensland has a population of over 5.5 million,[9] concentrated in South East Queensland, where nearly three in four reside. The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city and comprising fully half of the state's population. Ten of Australia's thirty largest cities are located in Queensland, the largest outside Brisbane being the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. 24.2% of the state's population were born overseas.[10] The state has the highest inter-state net migration in Australia.[11]

Queensland was first inhabited by Aboriginal Australians, with the Torres Strait Islands inhabited by Torres Strait Islanders.[12] Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon, the first European to land in Australia, explored the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula in 1606. In 1770, James Cook claimed the east coast of Australia for the Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1788, Arthur Phillip founded the colony of New South Wales, which included all of what is now Queensland. Queensland was explored in subsequent decades, and the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement was established at Brisbane in 1824 by John Oxley. During the Australian frontier wars of the 19th century, colonists killed tens of thousands of Aboriginal people in Queensland while consolidating their control over the territory.

On 6 June 1859 (now commemorated as Queensland Day), Queen Victoria signed the letters patent to establish the colony of Queensland, separating it from New South Wales and thereby establishing Queensland as a self-governing Crown colony with responsible government. A large part of colonial Queensland's economy relied on blackbirded South Sea Islander slavery.[citation needed]

Queensland was among the six colonies which became the founding states of Australia with Federation on 1 January 1901. Since the Bjelke-Petersen era of the late 20th century, Queensland has received a high level of internal migration from the other states and territories of Australia and remains a popular destination for interstate migration.

Queensland has the third-largest economy among Australian states, with strengths in mining, agriculture, transportation, international education, insurance, and banking. Nicknamed the Sunshine State for its tropical and sub-tropical climates, Great Barrier Reef, and numerous beaches, tourism is also important to the state's economy.

History

[edit]
Main article: History of Queensland

Pre-European contact

[edit]
Main article: History of Indigenous Australians

Queensland was one of the largest regions of pre-colonial Aboriginal population in Australia.[13] The Aboriginal ownership of Queensland is thought to predate 50,000 BC, and early migrants are believed to have arrived via boat or land bridge across Torres Strait. Through time, their descendants developed into more than 90 different language and cultural groups.

During the last ice age, Queensland's landscape became more arid and largely desolate, making food and other supplies scarce. The people developed the world's first seed-grinding technology.[14] The end of the glacial period brought about a warming climate, making the land more hospitable. It brought high rainfall along the eastern coast, stimulating the growth of the state's tropical rainforests.[15]

The Torres Strait Islands is home to the Torres Strait Islander peoples. Torres Strait Islanders are ethnically and culturally distinct from mainland Aboriginal peoples. They have a long history of interaction with both Aboriginal peoples of what is now Australia and the peoples of New Guinea.

European colonisation

[edit]
Captain James Cook claims the east coast of Australia for the Kingdom of Great Britain at Possession Island in 1770
The peninsula of Seventeen Seventy, Queensland, where Captain Cook landed in 1770
Fighting between Burke and Wills's supply party and Aboriginal Australians at Bulla in 1861

In February 1606, Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon landed near the site of what is now Weipa, on the western shore of Cape York. This was the first recorded landing of a European in Australia, and it also marked the first reported contact between Europeans and the Aboriginal people of Australia.[15] The region was also explored by French and Spanish explorers (commanded by Louis Antoine de Bougainville and Luís Vaez de Torres, respectively) before the arrival of Lieutenant James Cook in 1770. Cook claimed the east coast under instruction from King George III of the Kingdom of Great Britain on 22 August 1770 at Possession Island, naming eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales.[16]

The Aboriginal population declined significantly after a smallpox epidemic during the late 18th century and massacres by the European settlers.[17][page needed]

In 1823, John Oxley, a British explorer, sailed north from what is now Sydney to scout possible penal colony sites in Gladstone (then Port Curtis) and Moreton Bay. At Moreton Bay, he found the Brisbane River. He returned in 1824 and established a penal settlement at what is now Redcliffe. The settlement, initially known as Edenglassie, was then transferred to the current location of the Brisbane city centre. Edmund Lockyer discovered outcrops of coal along the banks of the upper Brisbane River in 1825.[18] In 1839 transportation of convicts was ceased, culminating in the closure of the Brisbane penal settlement. In 1842 free settlement, which had already commenced, was officially permitted. In 1847, the Port of Maryborough was opened as a wool port. While most early immigrants came from New South Wales, the first free immigrant ship to arrive in Moreton Bay from Europe was the Artemisia, in 1848.

Earlier than this immigrant ship was the arrival of the Irish famine orphan girls to Queensland. Devised by the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies, The Earl Grey Scheme established a special emigration scheme which was designed to resettle destitute girls from the workhouses of Ireland during the Great Famine. The first ship, the "Earl Grey", departed Ireland for a 124-day sail to Sydney. After controversy developed upon their arrival in Australia, a small group of 37 young orphans, sometimes referred to as The Belfast Girls or the Feisty Colleens, never set foot on Sydney soil, and instead sailed up to Brisbane (then Moreton Bay) on 21 October 1848 on board the Ann Mary. This scheme continued until 1852.[19]

In 1857, Queensland's first lighthouse was built at Cape Moreton.[20]

Frontier wars and massacres

[edit]
Further information: Australian frontier wars § Queensland, and List of massacres of Indigenous Australians § Queensland

The frontier wars fought between European settlers and Aboriginal tribes in Queensland were the bloodiest and most brutal in colonial Australia.[21] Many of these conflicts are now seen as acts of genocide.[22][23][24][25]

The wars featured the most frequent massacres of First Nations people, the three deadliest massacres on white settlers, the most disreputable frontier police force, and the highest number of white victims to frontier violence on record in any Australian colony.[26] Across at least 644 collisions at least 66,680 were killed — with Aboriginal fatalities alone comprising no less than 65,180.[27] Of these deaths, around 24,000 Aboriginal men, women and children were killed by the Native Police between 1859 and 1897.[28]

The military force of the Queensland Government in this war was the Native Police, who operated from 1849 to the 1920s. The Native Police was a body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander troopers that operated under the command of white officers. The Native Police were often recruited forcefully from far-away communities.[29][30]

Aftermath of the 1861 Cullin-La-Ringo massacre in which 19 settlers were killed by Aboriginal people, the deadliest attack on settlers in the frontier wars

Conflict spread quickly with free settlement in 1838, with settlement rapidly expanding in a great rush to take up the surrounding land in the Darling Downs, Logan and Brisbane Valley and South Burnett onwards from 1840, in many cases leading to widespread fighting and heavy loss of life. The conflict later spread north to the Wide Bay and Burnett River and Hervey Bay region, and at one stage the settlement of Maryborough was virtually under siege.[31]

The largest reasonably well-documented massacres in southeast Queensland were the Kilcoy and Whiteside poisonings, each of which was said to have taken up to 70 Aboriginal lives by use of a gift of flour laced with strychnine. At the Battle of One Tree Hill in September 1843, Multuggerah and his group of warriors ambushed one group of settlers, routing them and subsequently others in the skirmishes which followed, starting in retaliation for the Kilcoy poisoning.[32][33]

Central Queensland was particularly hard hit during the 1860s and 1870s, several contemporary writers mention the Skull Hole, Bladensburg, or Mistake Creek massacre[a] on Bladensburg Station near Winton, which in 1901 was said to have taken up to 200 Aboriginal lives.[34] First Nations warriors killed 19 settlers during the Cullin-La-Ringo massacre on 17 October 1861.[35] In the weeks afterwards, police, native police and civilians killed up to 370 members of the Gayiri Aboriginal people in response.[36]

Frontier violence peaked on the northern mining frontier during the 1870s, most notably in Cook district and on the Palmer and Hodgkinson River goldfields, with heavy loss of Aboriginal lives and several well-known massacres.[37] Raids conducted by the Kalkadoon held settlers out of Western Queensland for ten years until September 1884 when they attacked a force of settlers and native police at Battle Mountain near modern Cloncurry. The subsequent battle of Battle Mountain ended in disaster for the Kalkadoon, who suffered heavy losses.[38] Fighting continued in North Queensland, however, with First Nations raiders attacking sheep and cattle while Native Police mounted heavy retaliatory massacres.[39][40]

Blackbirding

[edit]
Further information: Blackbirding § Queensland

Tens of thousands of South Sea Islanders were forced, deceived or coerced into indentured servitude and slavery on Australia's agricultural plantations, despite slavery being outlawed in Australia and other parts of the British Empire by the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. This process was known as blackbirding.[41][42][43] This trade in what were then known as Kanakas was in operation from 1863 to 1908, a period of 45 years. Some 55,000 to 62,500 were brought to Australia, most being recruited or blackbirded from islands in Melanesia, such as the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), the Solomon Islands and the islands around New Guinea.[44]

South Sea Islander men standing in front of a row of sugarcane.
Blackbirded South Sea Islanders on a Sugarcane plantation in Queensland.

The majority of those taken were male and around one quarter were under the age of sixteen.[45] In total, approximately 15,000 South Sea Islanders (30%) died while labouring in Queensland – excluding those who died in transit or were killed in the recruitment process – mostly during three-year contracts.[46] This is similar to the estimated 33% death rate among enslaved Africans in the first three years of arriving in America,[47] Brazil, and the Caribbean; the conditions were often comparable to those of the Atlantic slave trade.[42][41]

The trade was legally sanctioned and regulated under Queensland law, and prominent men such as Robert Towns made massive fortunes through blackbirding, helping to establish some of the major cities in Queensland today.[48] Towns' agent claimed that blackbirded labourers were "savages who did not know the use of money" and therefore did not deserve cash wages.[49]

Following Federation in 1901, the White Australia policy came into effect, which saw most foreign workers in Australia deported under the Pacific Island Labourers Act 1901, which saw the Pacific Islander population of the state decrease rapidly.[50]

Independent governance

[edit]
Further information: Colony of Queensland
Parade of troops in Brisbane, prior to departure for the Boer War in South Africa
Kanaka workers in a sugar cane plantation, late 19th century

A public meeting was held in 1851 to consider the proposed separation of Queensland from New South Wales. On 6 June 1859, Queen Victoria signed letters patent[51] to form the separate colony of Queensland as a self-governing Crown colony with responsible government. Brisbane was selected as the capital city. On 10 December 1859, a proclamation was read by George Bowen, the first Governor of Queensland, formally establishing Queensland as a separate colony from New South Wales.[52] On 22 May 1860 the first Queensland election was held and Robert Herbert, Bowen's private secretary, was appointed as the first Premier of Queensland.

In 1865, the first rail line in the state opened between Ipswich and Grandchester. Queensland's economy expanded rapidly in 1867 after James Nash discovered gold on the Mary River near the town of Gympie, sparking a gold rush and saving the Colony of Queensland from near economic collapse. While still significant, they were on a much smaller scale than the gold rushes of Victoria and New South Wales.

Immigration to Australia and Queensland, in particular, began in the 1850s to support the state economy. During the period from the 1860s until the early 20th century, many labourers, known at the time as Kanakas, were brought to Queensland from neighbouring Pacific Island nations to work in the state's sugar cane fields. Some of these people had been kidnapped under a process known as blackbirding or press-ganging, and their employment conditions constituted an allegedly exploitative form of indentured labour. Italian immigrants entered the sugar cane industry from the 1890s.[53]

During the 1890s, the six Australian colonies, including Queensland, held a series of referendums which culminated in the Federation of Australia on 1 January 1901. During this time, Queensland had a population of half a million people. Since then, Queensland has remained a federated state within Australia, and its population has significantly grown.

20th century

[edit]
Returned World War II soldiers march in Queen Street, Brisbane, 1944

In 1905 women voted in state elections for the first time. The state's first university, the University of Queensland, was established in Brisbane in 1909. In 1911, the first alternative treatments for polio were pioneered in Queensland and remain in use across the world today.[54]

World War I had a major impact on Queensland. Over 58,000 Queenslanders fought in World War I and over 10,000 of them died.[55]

Australia's first major airline, Qantas (originally standing for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services"), was founded in Winton in 1920 to serve outback Queensland.

In 1922 Queensland abolished the Queensland Legislative Council, becoming the only Australian state with a unicameral parliament.

In 1935 cane toads were deliberately introduced to Queensland from Hawaii in an unsuccessful attempt to reduce the number of French's cane and greyback cane beetles that were destroying the roots of sugar cane plants, which are integral to Queensland's economy. The toads have remained an environmental pest since that time. In 1962, the first commercial production of oil in Queensland and Australia began at Moonie.

During World War II Brisbane became central to the Allied campaign when the AMP Building (now called MacArthur Central) was used as the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur, chief of the Allied Pacific forces, until his headquarters were moved to Hollandia in August 1944.[56] In 1942, during the war, Brisbane was the site of a violent clash between visiting US military personnel and Australian servicemen and civilians, which resulted in one death and hundreds of injuries. This incident became known colloquially as the Battle of Brisbane.[57]

The end of World War II saw a wave of immigration from across Europe, with many more immigrants coming from southern and eastern Europe than in previous decades.

In the later decades of the 20th century, the humid subtropical climate—regulated by the availability of air conditioning—saw Queensland become a popular destination for migrants from interstate.[58] Since that time, Queensland has continuously seen high levels of migration from the other states and territories of Australia.

In 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson became the first U.S. president to visit Queensland. During his visit, he met with Australia prime minister Harold Holt.[citation needed]

The end of the White Australia policy in 1973 saw the beginning of a wave of immigration from around the world, and most prominently from Asia, which continues to the present.

In 1981 the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland's northeast coast, one of the world's largest coral reef systems, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

21st century

[edit]

In 2003 Queensland adopted maroon as the state's official colour. The announcement was made as a result of an informal tradition to use maroon to represent the state in association with sporting events.[59]

After three decades of record population growth, Queensland was impacted by major floods between late 2010 and early 2011, causing extensive damage and disruption across the state.[60][61]

In 2020, Queensland was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a low number and abrupt decline in cases from April 2020 onward, social distancing requirements were implemented from March 2020 including the closure of the state borders.

Geography

[edit]
Main article: Geography of Queensland
Commonly designated regions of Queensland, with Central Queensland divided into Mackay and Fitzroy subregions
The Great Barrier Reef, which extends along most of Queensland's Coral Sea coastline
The Mossman River, flowing through the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland
The McPherson Range at Lamington National Park in South East Queensland
Lake McKensie, K'gari (Fraser Island)

With a total area of 1,729,742 square kilometres (715,309 square miles), Queensland is an expansive state with a highly diverse range of climates and geographical features. If Queensland were an independent nation, it would be the world's 16th largest in terms of area.

Queensland's eastern coastline borders the Coral Sea, an arm of the Pacific Ocean. The state is bordered by the Torres Strait to the north, with Boigu Island off the coast of New Guinea representing the northern extreme of its territory. The triangular Cape York Peninsula, which points toward New Guinea, is the northernmost part of the state's mainland. West of the peninsula's tip, northern Queensland is bordered by the Gulf of Carpentaria. To the west, Queensland is bordered by the Northern Territory, at the 138th meridian east, and to the southwest by northeastern South Australia. The state's southern border with New South Wales is constituted in the east by the watershed from Point Danger to the Dumaresq River, and the Dumaresq, Macintyre and Barwon rivers. The west of the southern border is defined by the 29th parallel south (including some minor historical encroachments) until it reaches South Australia.

Like much of eastern Australia, the Great Dividing Range runs roughly parallel with, and inland from, the coast, and areas west of the range are more arid than the humid coastal regions. The Great Barrier Reef, which is the world's largest coral reef system, runs parallel to the state's Coral Sea coast between the Torres Strait and K'gari (Fraser Island). Queensland's coastline includes the world's three largest sand islands: K'gari (Fraser Island), Moreton, and North Stradbroke.

The state contains six World Heritage-listed preservation areas: the Great Barrier Reef along the Coral Sea coast, K'gari (Fraser Island) on the Wide Bay–Burnett region's coastline, the wet tropics in Far North Queensland including the Daintree Rainforest, Lamington National Park in South East Queensland, the Riversleigh fossil sites in North West Queensland, and the Gondwana Rainforests in South East Queensland.

The state is divided into several unofficial regions which are commonly used to refer to large areas of the state's vast geography. These include:

Climate

[edit]
Köppen climate types in Queensland

Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across the state. There is ample rainfall along the coastline, with a monsoonal wet season in the tropical north, and humid sub-tropical conditions along the southern coastline. Low rainfall and hot humid summers are typical for the inland and west. Elevated areas in the south-eastern inland can experience temperatures well below freezing in mid-winter providing frost and, rarely, snowfall. The climate of the coastal regions is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall.[62]

There are six predominant climatic zones in Queensland,[63] based on temperature and humidity:

The annual average climatic statistics[64] for selected Queensland cities are shown below:

City Mean daily min. temp Mean daily max. temp No. clear days Rainfall
Brisbane 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) 113.1 1,149.1 mm (45.24 in)[65]
Mackay 19.0 °C (66.2 °F) 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) 123.0 1,570.7 mm (61.84 in)[66]
Cairns 21.0 °C (69.8 °F) 29.2 °C (84.6 °F) 89.7 1,982.2 mm (78.04 in)[67]
Townsville 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) 28.9 °C (84.0 °F) 120.9 1,136.7 mm (44.75 in)[68]

The coastal far north of the state is the wettest region in Australia, with Mount Bellenden Ker, south of Cairns, holding many Australian rainfall records with its annual average rainfall of over 8 metres (26 ft).[69] Snow is rare in Queensland, although it does fall with some regularity along the far southern border with New South Wales, predominantly in the Stanthorpe district although on rare occasions further north and west. The most northerly snow ever recorded in Australia occurred near Mackay; however, this was exceptional.[70]

Natural disasters are often a threat in Queensland: severe tropical cyclones can impact the central and northern coastlines and cause severe damage,[71] with recent examples including Larry, Yasi, Ita and Debbie. Flooding from rain-bearing systems can also be severe and can occur anywhere in Queensland. One of the deadliest and most damaging floods in the history of the state occurred in early 2011.[72] Severe springtime thunderstorms generally affect the south-east and inland of the state and can bring damaging winds, torrential rain, large hail and even tornadoes.[73] The strongest tornado ever recorded in Australia occurred in Queensland near Bundaberg in November 1992.[74] Droughts and bushfires can also occur; however, the latter are generally less severe than those that occur in southern states.

The highest official maximum temperature recorded in the state was 49.5 °C (121.1 °F) at Birdsville Police Station on 24 December 1972.[75] The lowest recorded minimum temperature is −10.6 °C (12.9 °F) at Stanthorpe on 23 June 1961 and at The Hermitage (near Warwick) on 12 July 1965.[76]

Climate data for Queensland
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 49.0
(120.2) 		47.2
(117.0) 		46.7
(116.1) 		41.7
(107.1) 		39.3
(102.7) 		36.0
(96.8) 		36.1
(97.0) 		38.5
(101.3) 		42.8
(109.0) 		46.1
(115.0) 		48.7
(119.7) 		49.5
(121.1) 		49.5
(121.1)
Record low °C (°F) 5.4
(41.7) 		3.3
(37.9) 		−0.2
(31.6) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−6.9
(19.6) 		−10.6
(12.9) 		−10.6
(12.9) 		−9.4
(15.1) 		−5.6
(21.9) 		−3.6
(25.5) 		0.0
(32.0) 		2.2
(36.0) 		−10.6
(12.9)
Source 1: Bureau of Meteorology[77]
Source 2: Bureau of Meteorology[78]

Demographics

[edit]
See also: Demographics of Australia and Demographics of Brisbane
Brisbane, capital and most populous city of Queensland

In December 2021, Queensland had an estimated population of 5,265,043.[9] Approximately half of the state's population lives in Brisbane, and over 70% live in South East Queensland. Nonetheless, Queensland is the second most decentralised state in Australia after Tasmania. Since the 1980s, Queensland has consistently been the fastest-growing state in Australia, as it receives high levels of both international immigration and migration from interstate. There have however been short periods where Victoria and Western Australia have grown faster.

Cities

[edit]

Ten of Australia's thirty largest cities are located in Queensland. In 2019, the largest cities in the state by population of their Greater Capital City Statistical Area or Significant Urban Area (metropolitan areas) as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics were:[83]

Ancestry and immigration

[edit]
Country of Birth (2016)[84][85]
Birthplace[N 2] Population
Australia 3,343,657
New Zealand 201,206
England 180,775
India 49,145
Mainland China 47,114
South Africa 40,131
Philippines 39,661
Scotland 21,882
Germany 20,387
Vietnam 19,544
South Korea 18,327
United States 17,053
Papua New Guinea 16,120
Taiwan 15,592

Early settlers during the 19th century were largely English, Irish, Scottish and German, while there was a wave of immigration from southern and eastern Europe (most notably Italy) in the decades following the second world war. In the 21st century, Asia (most notably China and India) has been the primary source of immigration.

At the 2016 census, the most commonly nominated ancestries were:[N 3][84][85]

The 2016 census showed that 28.9% of Queensland's inhabitants were born overseas. Only 54.8% of inhabitants had both parents born in Australia, with the next most common birthplaces being New Zealand, England, India, Mainland China and South Africa.[84][85] Brisbane has the 26th largest immigrant population among world metropolitan areas.

4% of the population, or 186,482 people, identified as Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders) in 2016.[N 6][84][85]

Language

[edit]

At the 2016 census, 81.2% of inhabitants spoke only English at home, with the next most common languages being Mandarin (1.5%), Vietnamese (0.6%), Cantonese (0.5%), Spanish (0.4%) and Italian (0.4%).[87][88]

At the 2021 census, 80.5% of inhabitants spoke only English at home, with the next most common languages being Mandarin (1.6%), Vietnamese (0.6%), Punjabi (0.6%) and Spanish (0.6%).[89]

Religion

[edit]

At the 2016 census, the most commonly cited religious affiliations were 'No religion' (29.2%), Catholicism (21.7%) and Anglicanism (15.3%).[90] In the 2016 Census the majority of Queenslanders were identified as Christian, most of which were of various Protestant denominations.[91]

According to the 2021 census, 45.7% of the population follows Christianity, and 41.2% identified as having No religion[89][92] About 5% of people are affiliated with a non-Christian religion, mainly Buddhism (1.4%), Hinduism (1.3%) and Islam (1.2%).[89] The 2021 census found that Protestants of various denominations outnumbered Catholics in Queensland.[93]

Education

[edit]
The Great Court at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Queensland's oldest university

Queensland is home to numerous universities. The state's oldest university, the University of Queensland, was established in 1909 and frequently ranks among the world's top 50.[94][95][96] Other major universities include Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of the Sunshine Coast, James Cook University (which was the state's first university outside of South East Queensland), Central Queensland University and Bond University (which was Australia's first private university).

International education is an important industry, with 134,312 international students enrolled in the state in 2018, largely focused on Brisbane. Most of the state's international students are from Asia.[97]

At the primary and secondary levels, Queensland is home to numerous state and private schools.

Queensland has a public library system which is managed by the State Library of Queensland.[98] Some university libraries are also open to the public.

Economy

[edit]
Main article: Economy of Queensland
See also: Economy of Australia
Skyline of the Brisbane central business district. Brisbane is a global city and the state's largest economic hub.
Gold mine at Ravenswood in North Queensland. Mining is one of the state's major industries
The Gold Coast, Queensland's second-largest city and a major tourist destination
Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland's third largest city and a major tourist destination

In 2019, Queensland had a gross state product of A$357,044 million, the third-highest in the nation after New South Wales and Victoria.[99] The construction of sea ports and railways along Queensland's coast in the 19th century set up the foundations for the state's export-oriented mining and agricultural sectors. Since the 1980s, a sizeable influx of interstate and overseas migrants, large amounts of federal government investment, increased mining of vast mineral deposits and an expanding aerospace sector have contributed to the state's economic growth.[100]

Primary industries include bananas, pineapples, peanuts, a wide variety of other tropical and temperate fruit and vegetables, grain crops, wineries, cattle raising, cotton, sugarcane, and wool. The mining industry includes bauxite, coal, silver, lead, zinc, gold and copper.[101][102]

Secondary industries are mostly further processing of the above-mentioned primary produce. For example, bauxite is shipped by sea from Weipa and converted to alumina at Gladstone.[103] There is also copper refining and the refining of sugar cane to sugar at a number of mills along the eastern coastline.

Major tertiary industries are retail, tourism, and international education. In 2018, there were 134,312 international students enrolled in the state, largely focused on Brisbane. Most of the state's international students are from Asia.[97]

Brisbane is categorised as a global city, and is among Asia-Pacific cities with largest GDPs. It has strengths in mining, banking, insurance, transportation, information technology, real estate and food.[104] Some of the largest companies headquartered in Brisbane, all among Australia's largest, include Suncorp Group, Virgin Australia, Aurizon, Bank of Queensland, Flight Centre, CUA, Sunsuper, QSuper, Domino's Pizza Enterprises, Star Entertainment Group, ALS, TechnologyOne, NEXTDC, Super Retail Group, New Hope Coal, Jumbo Interactive, National Storage, Collins Foods and Boeing Australia.[105]

Tourism

[edit]
See also: Tourism in Brisbane
Hill Inlet at the Whitsunday Islands.

As a result of its varied landscapes, warm climate, and abundant natural environment, tourism is Queensland's leading tertiary industry with millions of interstate and international visitors visiting the state each year. The industry generates $8.8 billion annually, accounting for 4.5% of Queensland's Gross State Product. It has an annual export of $4.0 billion annually. The sector directly employs about 5.7% of Queensland citizens.[106] Accommodation in Queensland caters for nearly 22% of the total expenditure, followed by restaurants/meals (15%), airfares (11%), fuel (11%) and shopping/gifts (11%).[107]

The most visited tourist destinations of Queensland include Brisbane (including Moreton and South Stradbroke islands and the Gold Coast) as well as the Sunshine Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest, K'gari and the Whitsunday Islands.[108][109][110]

Brisbane is the third most popular destination in Australia following Sydney and Melbourne.[111] Major attractions in its metropolitan area include South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Cultural Centre (including the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and State Library of Queensland), City Hall, the Story Bridge, the Howard Smith Wharves, ANZAC Square, St John's Cathedral, Fortitude Valley (including James Street and Chinatown), West End, the Teneriffe woolstores precinct, the Brisbane River and its Riverwalk network, the City Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland, New Farm Park (including the Brisbane Powerhouse), the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and park, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Mount Coot-tha Reserve (including Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens), the D'Aguilar Range and National Park, as well as Moreton Bay (including Moreton, North Stradbroke and Bribie islands, and coastal suburbs such as Shorncliffe, Wynnum and those on the Redcliffe Peninsula).[112][113][114]

The Gold Coast is home to numerous popular surf beaches such as those at Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. It also includes the largest concentration of amusement parks in Australia, including Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild and WhiteWater World, as well as the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gold Coast's hinterland includes Lamington National Park in the McPherson Range.[citation needed]

The Sunshine Coast includes popular surfing and beach destinations including Noosa Heads and Mooloolaba. It is also home to UnderWater World and Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. Its hinterland includes the Glass House Mountains National Park.[115]

Cairns is renowned as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Far North Queensland (including Port Douglas) and the Daintree Rainforest. The Whitsunday Islands off the coast of North Queensland are a popular tourist destinations for their resort facilities and access to the Great Barrier Reef.[116]

Politics and government

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Main article: Politics of Queensland
Parliament House, seat of the Queensland Parliament
Government House, seat of the Governor
Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law, headquarters of the Supreme Court of Queensland and District Court of Queensland

One of the six founding states of Australia, Queensland has been a federated state subject to the Australian Constitution since 1 January 1901. It may legislate on all matters not ceded in the Australian Constitution to the federal government. It is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Constitution of Queensland sets out the operation of the state's government. The state's constitution contains several entrenched provisions which cannot be changed in the absence of a referendum. There is also a statutory charter of rights, the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. Queensland's system of government is influenced by the Westminster system and Australia's federal system of government.

The government power can be divided into three groups:

Executive authority is nominally vested in the Governor of Queensland (currently Jeannette Young) who represents and is appointed by the Monarch (currently Charles III) on the advice of the Premier of Queensland. The Premier, who is the state's Head of government, along with the Cabinet of Queensland (whose decisions are formalised by the Executive Council), exercise executive authority in practice. The Premier is appointed by the Governor and must have support of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland. The Premier is in practice a leading member of the Legislative Assembly and parliamentary leader of his or her political party, or coalition of parties, and members of the Cabinet will be drawn from the same party or coalition. The current Premier and Deputy Premier are David Crisafulli and Jarrod Bleijie of the Liberal National Party respectively. Government House at Paddington in Brisbane is the seat of the Governor, having replaced Old Government House at Gardens Point in Brisbane's CBD in the early 20th century. The executive branch is simply referred to as the Queensland Government.

Legislative authority is exercised by the Queensland Parliament which uniquely for Australian states is unicameral, containing only one house, the Legislative Assembly. The Parliament was bicameral until 1922 when the Legislative Council was abolished by the Labor "suicide squad", so called because they were appointed for the purpose of voting to abolish their own offices.[117] Bills receive royal assent from the Governor before being passed into law. The Parliament's seat is at Parliament House at Gardens Point in Brisbane's CBD. Members of the Legislative Assembly represent 93 electoral districts. Elections in Queensland are held at the end of each fixed four-year parliamentary term and are determined by full preferential voting.

The state's judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the District Court of Queensland, established by the Queensland Constitution, as well as the Magistrates Court of Queensland and other courts and tribunals established by legislation. Cases may be appealed to the High Court of Australia. As with all Australian states and territories, Queensland has a common law legal system. The Supreme and District courts are headquartered at the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law in Brisbane's CBD.

The state's politics are traditionally regarded as being conservative relative to other states.[118][119][120][121][122] Historically, the lack of an upper house, the "Bjelkemander" (a malapportion favouring rural electoral districts) has meant that Queensland had a long tradition of domination by strong-willed, populist premiers, often accused of authoritarian tendencies, holding office for long periods. This tendency was exemplified by the government of the state's longest-serving Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

Local government

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Main article: Local government in Queensland

Local government is the mechanism by which local government areas can manage their own affairs to the extent permitted by the Local Government Act 2009. Queensland is divided into 77 local government areas, which are created by the state government under the legislation.[123] Each local government area has a council responsible for providing a range of local services and utilities. Local councils derive their income from both rates and charges on resident ratepayers, and grants and subsidies from the state and federal governments.[124]

Federal representation

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Queensland – Federal parliamentary delegations[125]
Election
House of Representatives Senate
Coalition[N 7] Labor Other[N 8] Coalition Labor Other
2001 19 7 1 5 4 3
2004 21 5 1 7 4 1
2007 13 15 1 7 5 0
2010 21 8 1 6 5 1
2013 22 6 2 6 4 2
2016 21 8 1 5 4 3
2019 23 6 1 6 3 3
2022 21 5 4 5 3 4
2025 16 12 2 4 4 4

In the federal Parliament, Queensland accounts for 30 of the 151 electoral divisions in the House of Representatives (based on population size) and 12 of the 76 seats in the Senate (based on equality between the states).

The current partisan makeup of Queensland's House of Representatives delegation is 16 Liberal National, 12 Labor, 1 Australian Greens, and 1 Katter's Australian Party.

The current partisan makeup of Queensland's Senate delegation is 4 Liberal National, 4 Labor, 2 One Nation, and 2 Green.

Culture

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The Ekka (the Royal Queensland Exhibition) is held each August at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Queensland is home to major art galleries including the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art as well as cultural institutions such as the Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company, and Queensland Symphony Orchestra, all based at the Queensland Cultural Centre in Brisbane. The state is the origin of musicians such as the Bee Gees, the Go-Betweens, the Veronicas, the Saints, Savage Garden, and Sheppard as well as writers such as David Malouf, Nick Earls and Li Cunxin.

Major annual cultural events include the Royal Queensland Exhibition (known locally as the Ekka), an agricultural exhibition held each August at the Brisbane Showgrounds as well as the Brisbane Festival, which includes one of the nation's largest annual fireworks displays called 'Riverfire', and which is held each September.

Sport

[edit]
Main article: Sport in Queensland
Cricket game at The Gabba, a 42,000-seat round stadium in Brisbane

The state of Queensland is represented in all of Australia's national sporting competitions and it is also host to a number of domestic and international sporting events. The most popular winter and summer team sports are rugby league and cricket, respectively.

In the National Rugby League, the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, The Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans are based in the state. Rugby league's annual State of Origin series is a major event in the Queensland sporting calendar, with the Queensland Maroons representing the state.

In cricket, the Queensland Bulls represent the state in the Sheffield Shield and the Ryobi One Day Cup, while the Brisbane Heat compete in the Big Bash League.

Queensland is also home to the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (Australian rules football), and the Brisbane Roar FC in the A-League (soccer). In netball, the Queensland Firebirds went undefeated in the 2011 season as they went on to win the Grand Final. Other sports teams are the Brisbane Bullets and the Cairns Taipans, who compete in the National Basketball League.

The state is represented by the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby (rugby union).

Swimming is also a popular sport in Queensland, with many Australian team members and international medalists hailing from the state.

Brisbane will host the 2032 Summer Olympics, marking the third time Australia hosted the Olympic Games following Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000.[126] Major recurring sporting events hosted in Queensland include: the Gold Coast 600 (motorsport; since 1994), the Gold Coast Marathon (athletics; since 1979), the NRL All Stars Game (rugby league; since 2010), the Townsville 400 (motorsport; since 2009), the Quicksilver Pro and Roxy Pro (surfing) and Australian PGA Championship (golf; since 2000).

Symbols and emblems

[edit]
Main article: Symbols of Queensland

The official state emblems of Queensland are prescribed in the Emblems of Queensland Act 2005.

Queen Victoria granted the Queensland Coat of Arms to the Colony of Queensland in 1893, making it the oldest State Arms in Australia.[127] It depicts Queensland's primary industries in the 19th century with a sheaf of wheat, the heads of a bull and a ram, and a column of gold rising from a heap of quartz. Two stalks of sugar cane which surround the state badge at the top, and below is Queensland's state motto, Audax at Fidelis, which means "Bold but Faithful". In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II granted the supporting animals, the brolga and the red deer.[127][128]

In November 2003 maroon was officially named Queensland's state colour, after many years of association with Queensland sporting teams. In 2025, Queensland Government branding changed to blue, with not yet an impact on the official state colour.[129]

The koala was officially named the animal or faunal, emblem of Queensland in 1971 after a newspaper poll showed strong public support. The Queensland Government introduced the poll due to a proposal by state tourism ministers for all states to adopt a faunal emblem.[127] In January 1986, the brolga was announced as the official bird emblem of Queensland, after many years on the Coat of Arms.[128]

The Cooktown orchid became known as Queensland's floral emblem in 1959, during celebrations to mark the state's centenary,[130][131] and the Barrier Reef Anemone Fish was officially named as Queensland's aquatic emblem in March 2005.[132]

The sapphire was named the official state gem for Queensland in August 1985.[133][134]

Infrastructure

[edit]
See also: Transportation in Australia, Transport in Brisbane, TransLink (South East Queensland), and Queensland Rail City network

Transport

[edit]
Passenger train at Oxley railway station on the Ipswich/Rosewood line within the Queensland Rail City network
Cargo ships at the Port of Gladstone, Queensland's largest commodity seaport

Queensland is served by several National Highways and, particularly in South East Queensland, a network of freeways such as the M1. The Department of Transport & Main Roads oversees the development and operation of main roads and public transport, including taxis and local aviation.

Principal rail services are provided by Queensland Rail, predominantly between the major centres east of the Great Dividing Range. Freight rail services in Queensland have been provided mostly by Aurizon and Pacific National, with interstate intermodal services provided by Pacific National and SCT Logistics. Major seaports include the Port of Brisbane, Australia's third busiest by value of goods, as well as those at Gladstone, Townsville, and Bundaberg. There are large coal export facilities at Hay Point, Gladstone, and Abbot Point. Major sugar export facilities are located at Lucinda and Mackay.

Brisbane Airport is the main international and domestic gateway serving the state, and is the third busiest in Australia. Other international airports include the Gold Coast Airport, Cairns International Airport, and Townsville Airport. Regional airports with scheduled domestic flights include Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hervey Bay Airport, Bundaberg Airport, Mackay Airport, Mount Isa Airport, Proserpine / Whitsunday Coast Airport, Rockhampton Airport, and Sunshine Coast Airport.

South East Queensland has an integrated public transport system operated by Translink, which provides services bus, rail, light rail and Brisbane's ferry services through Queensland Rail and contracted operators. The region is divided into seven Fare zones radiating outwards from the Brisbane central business district, which is the central hub for the system. The Queensland Rail City network consists of 152 train stations along 13 suburban rail lines and across the region, and predominantly within Brisbane's metropolitan area. There is also a large bus network including Brisbane's large dedicated bus rapid transit network, the Brisbane busway network. Brisbane's popular ferry services include the CityCat, Cross River, and CityHopper services which have dedicated wharves along the Brisbane River. The G:link, Queensland's only light rail network, operates on the Gold Coast.[135]

The new Queensland Cross River Rail is a metro network that is currently under development within Brisbane and is part of infrastructure to prepare the city for the 2032 Olympic games.[136]

Other utilities

[edit]

Queensland Health operates and administers the state's public health system. There are sixteen regional Health and Hospital Services corresponding to geographical regions which are responsible for delivering public health services within their regions. Major public hospitals include the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, the Mater Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, and the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane, as well as the Townsville University Hospital, Cairns Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital in the regional cities. There are smaller public hospitals, as well as private hospitals, around the state.

See also

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Notes

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References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
  • Bottoms, Timothy (2013). Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's frontier killing times. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 978-1-74331-382-4.
  • Broome, Richard (1988). "The Struggle for Australia : Aboriginal-European Warfare, 1770–1930". In McKernan, Michael; Browne, Margaret; Australian War Memorial (eds.). Australia Two Centuries of War & Peace. Canberra, A.C.T.: Australian War Memorial in association with Allen and Unwin, Australia. pp. 92–120. ISBN 0-642-99502-8.
  • Connor, John (2008). "Frontier Wars". In Dennis, Peter; et al. (eds.). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (Second ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand. ISBN 978-0-19-551784-2.
  • Coulthard-Clark, Chris D. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Australia's Battles (Second ed.). Crows Nest, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1865086347.
  • Ørsted-Jensen, Robert (2011). Frontier History Revisited – Queensland and the 'History War'. Cooparoo, Brisbane, Qld: Lux Mundi Publishing. ISBN 9781466386822.

Further reading

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[edit]
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Queensland

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Queensland is a state comprising the north-eastern section of the mainland, along with several offshore islands, and is the second-largest subnational entity in by land area at 1,727,000 square kilometres. Its population reached 5,647,468 as of 31 March 2025, representing about 20.5% of 's total and concentrated primarily in the southeastern urban corridor led by the capital city of . The state spans diverse geographical features, from tropical rainforests and the world's largest system to arid interior regions, supporting an generating over $510 billion annually through sectors dominated by resource extraction, , and . Originally settled by Europeans as the penal colony in 1824 and part of , Queensland achieved separation as a self-governing British colony on 10 December 1859 following Queen Victoria's approval of the on 6 June of that year, named in her honour to reflect loyalty to . Upon Australia's in 1901, it joined as one of the six founding states, retaining significant autonomy in areas such as and , which have driven its growth amid debates over environmental impacts from mining and agricultural expansion. Queensland's development has been marked by pioneering inland exploration, such as the in 1860-61, and labour-intensive industries including sugar production reliant on workers from the late 19th century, contributing to its identity as a resource-rich state with ongoing tensions between economic imperatives and ecological preservation.

History

Pre-European settlement

The territory of present-day Queensland was continuously occupied by Aboriginal peoples for at least 20,000 years prior to European arrival, as evidenced by archaeological sites along the coastal lowlands and offshore islands, including shell middens, stone tools, and occupation layers in the . Inland evidence from , such as Cania Gorge, reveals Pleistocene-era artifacts including grinding stones and hearths, confirming human presence during the around 20,000–30,000 years ago, when lower sea levels exposed broader coastal plains. These findings align with broader patterns of initial human dispersal into (the Pleistocene landmass of and ) by at least 50,000 years ago, with Queensland's diverse ecosystems—from tropical coasts to semi-arid interiors—supporting adaptive foraging strategies. Queensland hosted over 150 Aboriginal language groups at the time of European contact, each maintaining distinct territories, systems, and practices tailored to local conditions, such as yam cultivation in the Wet Tropics or kangaroo hunting in the savannas. Societies were semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who used to promote regrowth for hunting and to reduce intensity, fostering in eucalypt-dominated landscapes; this anthropogenic fire regime, sustained over millennia, shaped much of the state's pre-colonial vegetation mosaic. Trade networks exchanged , tools, and marine products across regions, with evidence of long-distance movement from motifs and exotic stone sources. Archaeological records, including engraved rituals at sites like , demonstrate cultural continuity for up to 30,000 years, underscoring stable transmission of knowledge amid environmental fluctuations. In northern Queensland, the were settled by Melanesian peoples several thousand years ago, establishing maritime-oriented communities distinct from mainland Aboriginal groups. These islanders developed dugout canoes for inter-island voyaging and fishing, supporting village-based economies reliant on turtles, dugongs, and pearl shells, with evidence of pottery production and exchange linking them to by around 2,000 years ago, as seen in sherds from excavations. Pre-contact Islander society featured clan-based governance, ritual cycles tied to seasonal monsoons, and defensive alliances, fostering a hybrid cultural zone between Australian Aboriginal and Papuan influences without evidence of large-scale conflict until external pressures.

European exploration and initial colonization

European exploration of the region now known as Queensland began with James Cook's voyage along Australia's east coast in 1770 aboard HMS Endeavour. On 22 April 1770, Cook sighted the coast near present-day Point Lookout, Queensland, and continued northward, charting the shoreline and noting its potential for settlement. By August, after navigating the and repairing at Endeavour River (near modern Cooktown), Cook reached Possession Island in on 22 August 1770, where he formally claimed the entire east coast for Britain in the name of King George III, naming it . This assertion of sovereignty, recorded in Cook's journal, laid the legal groundwork for later British colonization, though no immediate settlements followed due to the remote location and focus on other Australian regions. Over five decades passed with minimal European activity in the area, as attention prioritized and . Systematic exploration resumed in the amid overcrowding in existing penal colonies and reports of shipwrecks, such as the 1823 wreck of the Sterling near , which prompted searches for survivors and suitable sites. In November 1823, Surveyor-General led an expedition from in the cutter Merrybells to investigate for a potential secondary penal settlement for recidivist convicts. Oxley's party, including a small crew and escaped convict guide (alias Finnegan), entered the bay on 19 November but initially found brackish waters unsuitable. On 2 December 1823, Oxley navigated southward into a major estuary, which he named the after , tracing it upstream for about 80 kilometers to fertile plains and navigable waters ideal for settlement. Oxley reported the site's advantages, including rich soil and separation from aboriginal groups encountered elsewhere, recommending it for a outpost to relieve pressure on Sydney's facilities. This discovery marked the first detailed European mapping of interior Queensland waterways, facilitating subsequent . Initial colonization commenced in 1824 when Governor authorized the as a place of stringent secondary . On 12 1824, arrived on the brig Amity with 29 s, four soldiers, and supplies, establishing the outpost at Redcliffe Point (Humpybong) under Oxley's prior suggestion. Conditions proved harsh—sandy soil, mosquito infestations, and aboriginal resistance led to the site's abandonment after five months, with two convicts killed in clashes. In early 1825, the settlement relocated 28 kilometers south to the River's banks at modern-day North Quay, where better resources and defenses allowed permanence; by mid-1825, the population reached around 70 convicts under military oversight. This outpost, administered as part of , initiated sustained European presence in Queensland, focused on labor for amid ongoing tensions.

19th-century expansion and frontier conflicts

Following the separation of Queensland from on 10 December 1859, pastoral expansion accelerated as , primarily squatters, pushed northward and inland to secure grazing lands for sheep and , driven by demand for and exports. By , the hosted 2,849 pastoral runs supporting 882,000 head of and 5,665,000 sheep, a sharp increase from earlier decades that reflected the occupation of over 100 million acres of previously unsettled . This growth relied on overstocking marginal lands, often beyond official boundaries, which depleted native vegetation and water sources essential to Indigenous hunting and gathering economies, precipitating resource competition and violent clashes. Aboriginal groups resisted encroachment through sporadic raids on isolated stations, targeting livestock and settlers to defend traditional territories; one prominent incident was the 27 October 1857 attack at Hornet Bank station on the Upper , where Yiman warriors killed 11 Europeans, including seven members of the Fraser family and four employees, in retaliation for alleged prior assaults and land seizures. Such events, though claiming fewer than two dozen settler lives annually across the colony, prompted disproportionate reprisals by stockmen and forces, escalating violence that colonial records often euphemized as "dispersals." The formalized suppression via the Native Mounted Police, established in 1848 and expanded post-1859, comprising Aboriginal troopers from distant regions led by European officers to minimize local kin ties and enable punitive operations against resisting clans. These units conducted dawn raids on camps, firing indiscriminately to kill adult males and deter further opposition, facilitating advance; detachments operated across Queensland until the early , with official logs documenting thousands of such actions but underreporting casualties. Historians estimate 20,000 to 65,000 Aboriginal deaths from these conflicts between 1840 and 1900, primarily in Queensland's interior, though figures vary due to incomplete records and reliance on settler accounts prone to minimization. In the wake of Hornet Bank, Native Police and settler parties executed reprisals killing over 200 Yiman people in three major massacres along the Dawson and rivers within months, including women and children, as corroborated by contemporary newspapers and inquests that rarely led to prosecutions. Similar patterns recurred, such as after the Cullin-la-Ringo killings of 19 settlers, where Native Police dispersals claimed hundreds more lives to secure the Warrego and Thomson riverine areas for . Colonial policy prioritized land clearance over protection of , with governors issuing blanket authorizations for force, reflecting a causal logic where economic imperatives—wool revenues funding —necessitated subduing populations obstructing settlement, irrespective of legal treaties absent in Australian . By the , intensified patrols had subdued most resistance in central and western districts, enabling sustained pastoral dominance, though sporadic clashes persisted in northern tropics until the .

Federation and early statehood

Queensland, separated from as a on 10 December 1859 after signed the on 6 June 1859, engaged in the federation debates that culminated in the creation of the . The colony's representatives, including Premier Sir , contributed significantly to the drafting of the federal constitution at the 1891 National Australasian Convention in , where Griffith authored key sections on judicial power and state rights. Griffith's legal expertise shaped provisions balancing central authority with colonial autonomy, reflecting Queensland's concerns over trade barriers and northern development. Support for in Queensland was mixed, driven by benefits but tempered by fears of southern dominance and loss of control. A on 2 September 1899 approved the draft , with voters affirming union despite regional divisions, particularly in the north where sentiments persisted. On 1 January 1901, Queensland transitioned to statehood within the , retaining its unicameral and governor while ceding powers over customs, defense, and to the federal government in . Sir was appointed the inaugural Chief Justice of the , underscoring Queensland's influence on national institutions. In the initial years of statehood, Queensland focused on internal governance and economic consolidation amid federal policies like the , which aligned with the colony's prior restrictions on labor. The state parliament, under premiers such as Robert Philp (1903–1906), addressed infrastructure expansion, including railways to support pastoral and sugar industries, while navigating fiscal dependencies on federal grants. Efforts to subdivide the state, including proposals for a separate , gained traction in regions like Cairns but were rejected by the federal government in 1908, preserving Queensland's unified boundaries. By 1910, population growth to approximately 600,000 reflected steady migration and agricultural output, though challenges like and labor shortages tested early state administration.

20th-century economic and political transformations

Queensland's economy in the early remained anchored in primary industries, including production, which expanded steadily from the mid-1860s onward with commercial output growing through the century, exports that contributed significantly to state revenue, and operations such as the starting silver, , and lead extraction in 1925. The exacerbated pre-existing challenges, with a locally induced recession in the late leading to high rates comparable to the national peak of around 30% by 1932, prompting government relief works and slowed economic activity. World War II provided an economic stimulus through military bases in and increased demand for resources, followed by a post-war boom driven by , agricultural expansion, and modest growth despite governmental neglect of secondary industries. diversified slowly amid floods, droughts, and labor shortages in the first three decades, while resource extraction, particularly and metals, gained prominence later in the century. These shifts contributed to Queensland's gross state product rising substantially, with farm sector production increasing sevenfold in current prices from 1952–54 to 1984–85. Politically, the 1957 split in the Labor Party enabled the Country Party (later National Party) to form government in with Liberals, initiating 32 years of conservative rule under premiers Frank Nicklin (1957–1968), Jack Pizzey (1968), and Johannes Bjelke-Petersen (1968–1987). This era emphasized state-led development, , and rural interests, supported by electoral malapportionment that favored non-metropolitan areas. Bjelke-Petersen's administration pursued pro-business policies, including low taxes from the to the late , which fostered agricultural and expansion, infrastructure projects like roads and dams, and overall attributed to reduced regulation and developmentalism. However, revelations of systemic police and , exposed by the commissioned in May 1987 following media reports on illegal activities, led to Bjelke-Petersen's resignation in 1987 and the National Party's defeat in 1989, marking the end of the period and prompting reforms including the creation of an anti-corruption commission. The inquiry's findings highlighted entrenched networks involving , , and protection rackets, undermining public trust despite the government's developmental achievements.

Late 20th and 21st-century developments

Johannes Bjelke-Petersen served as from 1968 to 1987 under the National Party, overseeing a period of robust driven by expansion in , , and , which contributed to rising and infrastructure projects such as highways and dams. His administration maintained power through a malapportioned that amplified rural voting weight, enabling 19 years of continuous conservative rule despite urban opposition. This era also featured , including resistance to reforms and street marches, alongside policies that attracted interstate migrants seeking opportunities in resource sectors. Bjelke-Petersen's downfall accelerated in 1987 following his unsuccessful "Joh for " campaign, which fractured the National Party and exposed internal divisions, culminating in his resignation amid leadership challenges. The subsequent , commissioned in 1987 and concluding in 1989, systematically documented entrenched corruption in the , including protection rackets for gambling and prostitution, implicating senior officers and politicians in a network that had persisted for decades. The inquiry's 600 recommendations led to over 100 convictions, the disbandment of corrupt units, and the creation of the Criminal Justice Commission (now the Crime and Corruption Commission) to enforce accountability, fundamentally reshaping public sector integrity mechanisms. The 1990s saw Labor's assume premiership in 1989, enacting electoral reforms to eliminate through equal electorate sizes and public sector rationalizations that reduced bureaucracy by 25,000 positions, though these measures coincided with a that contributed to Labor's 1996 defeat. Coalition governments under Peter Borbidge (1996–1998) briefly held power before Labor's return under in 1998, which sustained through economic recovery and hosted the 1982 Brisbane ' legacy effects into urban renewal projects. Into the , Queensland experienced a boom from the early , fueled by surging global demand for , , and exports, which elevated the resources sector to contribute over 10% of gross state product by 2010 and generated royalties exceeding AUD 10 billion annually by the mid-2010s. This prosperity drove population growth from 3.68 million in 2001 to 5.47 million by 2023, primarily via net interstate migration attracted by jobs in the Bowen and Basins, alongside diversification into tourism servicing the and subtropical coasts. Labor administrations under Beattie (1998–2005) and (2007–2012) navigated this expansion but faced fiscal strains from the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2010–2011 floods, which inundated 75% of the state, caused 35 fatalities, and inflicted AUD 2.5 billion in insured losses. The Liberal National Party's won office in 2012 on promises of post-disaster , implementing asset sales and public service cuts totaling 14,000 jobs to balance budgets, before losing to Annastacia Palaszczuk's Labor in 2015. Palaszczuk's tenure (2015–2023) emphasized transitions amid debates and managed via prolonged border closures that preserved low case numbers but strained interstate relations and revenues, which fell 70% in 2020–2021. In October 2024, the Liberal National Party under secured a , pledging and reduction in response to rising urban youth offending rates. Throughout, Queensland's has shifted toward services and resources, with GDP growth averaging 3% annually from 2000 to 2020, underscoring resilience despite vulnerability to commodity cycles and climate events.

Geography

Location and topography

Queensland occupies the northeastern portion of the Australian continent, situated between approximately 10° and 29° south latitude and 138° and 154° east longitude. It shares land borders with the to the west, to the southwest, and to the south, while its northern and eastern boundaries abut the , , , and . The state covers a land area of 1,723,030 square kilometers, ranking as the second-largest subnational entity in by land extent. Queensland's maritime claims extend to numerous continental islands, including the near , and a coastline measuring 13,347 kilometers in length. The state's topography features a pronounced east-west gradient, with the forming a discontinuous chain of highlands and plateaus parallel to the eastern coast, rising to elevations over 1,000 meters in places. East of the range, narrow coastal plains and alluvial lowlands predominate, interspersed with river valleys and estuaries, while the western interior consists of expansive sedimentary basins, low hills, and arid plains draining into inland systems like the . The highest point is in the Wooroonooran National Park, attaining 1,622 meters above sea level. Significant geomorphic features include the , a basaltic plateau in the north, and the , a fertile upland basin in the southeast. Queensland's terrain diversity arises from ancient geological processes, including tectonic uplift along the eastern margin and over millions of years, resulting in rugged escarpments, deep gorges, and waterfalls in the wetter eastern highlands contrasting with the flat, sparsely vegetated to the west. The state also encompasses offshore topographic elements, such as the continental shelf supporting the , though these are primarily marine rather than terrestrial.

Regional divisions

Queensland is divided into eight primary regions for purposes of , , and regional coordination by the Queensland Department of State Development, , and : , South West, , Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, North , North West Queensland, , and Wide Bay. These divisions facilitate targeted investment and policy-making tailored to local geographies, industries, and populations, reflecting the state's vast 1,727,000 square kilometer area and diverse landscapes from coastal urban centers to arid . South East Queensland, the most populous region, spans approximately 35,248 square kilometers and houses around 4 million residents as of 2024, including the state capital (population over 2.5 million in its greater area), Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Its economy, contributing the majority of the state's gross regional product, relies on , , , , and , supported by high and proximity to Pacific ports. Wide Bay, located north of , encompasses coastal areas around and , with a focus on including sugar cane and , alongside driven by Fraser Island (K'gari). The region experiences population growth, with Wide Bay SA4 seeing an increase of 6,700 persons in recent years. Central Queensland, centered on and Gladstone, covers extensive coastal and inland areas with key industries in (coal, ), beef production, and projects; it includes the Capricorn Coast and supports major export ports handling over 100 million tonnes of cargo annually. Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region features the and cities like Mackay, emphasizing tourism, sugar production, and mining, with the Port of Mackay exporting significant agricultural goods. North Queensland, anchored by , promotes defence, education, and port-related trade, with emerging and critical minerals sectors; its population centers on military bases and universities. Far North Queensland, based in Cairns, spans 380,000 square kilometers with a population of about 285,510, dominated by tourism to the , tropical agriculture (bananas, mangoes), and mining; the region's wet support unique but face risks. Darling Downs South West includes and agricultural heartlands producing grains, , and , alongside gas extraction; it covers fertile soils transitioning to semi-arid zones. North West Queensland is the most remote and sparsely populated, focused on stations, , and base metals, with towns like serving as hubs for vast pastoral leases exceeding 100,000 square kilometers each. These regional delineations, while not strictly administrative boundaries, align with statistical areas used by the Statistician's Office for tracking demographic and economic trends.

Climate and seasonal patterns

Queensland's climate varies significantly across its expanse, encompassing tropical monsoon (Am), tropical savanna (Aw), humid subtropical (Cfa), and hot semi-arid (BSh) zones under the Köppen classification, with tropical climates dominating the north and east, transitioning to subtropical in the southeast and arid conditions inland. The state's average annual temperature is approximately 23°C, peaking at 27°C in January and dropping to around 18°C in July, though regional disparities are pronounced: coastal areas like Cairns experience highs exceeding 30°C year-round, while inland Mount Isa sees extremes up to 40°C in summer. Annual rainfall averages 618 mm statewide from 1890 to 2023, but exhibits high variability, with northern regions receiving over 2,000 mm during wet years and southwestern areas under 300 mm. In tropical northern Queensland, seasonal patterns divide sharply into a (November to April) and (May to October), driven by the and influenced by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles, where La Niña phases amplify rainfall by up to 25%. The features intense convective activity, thunderstorms, and potential cyclones, delivering 80-90% of annual rainfall—often exceeding 1,500 mm in Cairns—accompanied by high (over 80%) and daily maximum temperatures of 31-33°C. Conversely, the brings clear skies, low (below 50%), minimal (under 50 mm monthly), and cooler nights dipping to 15-20°C, fostering conditions ideal for but heightening bushfire risks. Subtropical southeastern Queensland, including , follows a more temperate with warm, humid summers ( to ) averaging 30°C maxima and 140-200 mm monthly rainfall from southerly influences and sea breezes, contrasted by mild, dry winters ( to ) with 22°C days and occasional frosts inland at minima around 8°C. Statewide, recent trends show rising temperatures (up 1°C since 1910) and shifting , with southeast annual totals declining 8% (90 mm) from 1989-2018, exacerbating frequency in non-tropical zones while northern wet seasons intensify sporadically. These patterns underpin , with wet-season flooding risks in floodplains and dry-season prompting reliance in the west.

Environment and Natural Resources

Biodiversity and ecosystems

Queensland supports Australia's highest biodiversity among states, encompassing marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems that range from tropical coral reefs and rainforests to eucalypt woodlands, wetlands, and arid grasslands. This diversity arises from varied topography, climates, and geological history, fostering high endemism and species richness across taxa. The , a spanning 344,400 square kilometers with nearly 3,000 individual reefs, exemplifies marine , containing over 1,620 fish species, 411 hard types, more than 2,000 species, and 14 species. Associated habitats include mangroves representing 50% of global and meadows supporting dugongs and . Terrestrial ecosystems feature tropical rainforests in the north, such as the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which harbor over 700 endemic species and 88 endemic vertebrates, including primitive flowering and ancient lineages. Queensland's totals over 12,500 species, comprising about 50% of Australia's vascular , with rainforests hosting numerous threatened like cassowaries and tree kangaroos. Subtropical and dry rainforests transition to eucalypt-dominated open forests and woodlands covering much of the state's interior, alongside swamps and coastal heathlands. Inland and western regions include savanna grasslands and spinifex-dominated arid shrublands, adapted to seasonal monsoons and droughts, sustaining species like the bilby and numerous reptiles. Freshwater systems, such as rivers and billabongs, connect these habitats, supporting migratory birds and endemic . Overall, Queensland accounts for 70% of Australia's species, 80% of birds, and 50% of reptiles and frogs.

Resource extraction and land use

Queensland's relies heavily on resource extraction, with contributing A$61.6 billion in in 2023–24, representing 12.9% of the state's total GVA. The sector employs approximately 42,500 people as of financial year 2024. dominates, with 58 operating mines producing around 145 million tonnes in 2024, and exports reaching 199 million tonnes in the 2023–24 financial year. alone generated $85.3 billion for the state in 2023–24, underscoring its role as the primary export commodity despite global shifts toward lower emissions. Other minerals include , , and base metals, with Queensland contributing significantly to Australia's production of ore and . operations, concentrated in regions like the with 48 coal mines as of June 2024, occupy a small fraction of land but drive substantial royalties, estimated at $5.49 billion from in 2024–25. Extraction involves open-cut and underground methods, with environmental rehabilitation required under state regulations, though land disturbance remains localized relative to the state's vast area. Agriculture utilizes Queensland's land resources, with 70% (1,258,964 km²) suitable for and only 7% (130,599 km²) classified as Class A for intensive cropping. activities, primarily and sheep, dominate, supported by above-average growth in recent years due to favorable rainfall. The sector's gross value is projected at $23.56 billion for 2024–25, with key outputs including slaughterings, , and like avocados and bananas. Between 1999 and 2021, 4% of shifted to other uses, predominantly conservation and Indigenous (69.6%). Land use patterns reflect the state's arid to tropical variability, with lands covering the majority outside protected areas, while leases and agricultural intensification compete in resource-rich zones. Key Resource Areas protect extractive sites of state significance, balancing development against urban and conservation pressures. Overall, resource extraction supports but necessitates management of land capability constraints, with only limited areas viable for high-productivity farming amid soil and water limitations.

Conservation efforts and environmental debates

Queensland's conservation efforts center on protecting its unique , including the and diverse terrestrial ecosystems. The , established in 1975, spans over 344,400 square kilometers and is managed through zoning plans that restrict activities to minimize impacts on coral and marine life. The Australian federal government, in partnership with Queensland, has invested more than $5 billion from 2014 to 2030 in Reef protection, including water quality improvement and control, while the state has committed over $1 billion since 2015 to land-based initiatives like reducing sediment runoff from . In April 2024, Queensland expanded protections by incorporating 140 islands into the state's protected areas network, enhancing habitat safeguards for seabirds and . Terrestrial conservation includes the Queensland Protected Area Strategy, which has declared 12 new nature refuges since 2022, preserving habitats for such as the and . Koala populations, classified as endangered under both federal and state laws, benefit from habitat restoration programs that have rehabilitated thousands of hectares in southeast Queensland through collaborative efforts by , conservation groups, and volunteers; these include reducing vehicle strikes and dog attacks via policy guidelines. conservation involves surveys in Cape York national parks and corridor expansion in the Wet Tropics to connect fragmented habitats, addressing road mortality and habitat loss. Queensland's national parks system covers approximately 7.3 million hectares, or 4.2% of the state's land area, focusing on and preservation. Environmental debates in Queensland often pit against ecological preservation, particularly regarding and land clearing. The Adani , approved in 2019 despite opposition, has drawn criticism for potential harm to the Doongmabulla Springs complex—a nationally significant groundwater-dependent —based on 2024 statements from Queensland environment officials and modeling indicating drawdown risks from operations. Indigenous groups and scientists have raised concerns over threats to the Ngarabalga wetland from dust and altered hydrology, while proponents argue the mine's environmental authority includes monitoring for species like the black-throated finch. The project's estimated 60 million tonnes annual coal output could contribute to global emissions exacerbating bleaching, fueling debates on export-driven development versus . Land clearing remains contentious, with data from the Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) recording 332,015 hectares of woody cleared in the 2023-24 period, an 3% increase from prior years, predominantly for pasture expansion in catchments (86% of total). Since European settlement, Queensland has lost at least 21% of its original woody , with one-fifth of that occurring post-1997 vegetation management laws, prompting arguments that regulatory weakening has accelerated rates—over 1 million hectares bulldozed from 2018-2022—despite new parks failing to offset losses in high-biodiversity areas. Critics, including environmental NGOs, contend that and academic sources often amplify on climate-driven threats while understating agricultural adaptation benefits, whereas government emphasizes reduced clearing for (283,000 hectares in 2024-25, lowest since 2018-19) due to . These tensions highlight causal trade-offs between resource extraction, which sustains rural economies, and integrity essential for survival.

Demographics


Queensland's estimated resident stood at 5,647,468 persons as of 31 March 2025, accounting for 20.5% of Australia's total population. This marked an increase from 5,583,833 in 2024, reflecting sustained annual growth rates exceeding the national average of 1.6%, driven primarily by net interstate and overseas migration rather than increase. Over the preceding decade, Queensland's population expanded by approximately 25%, with accelerated growth post-2020 attributable to from southern states seeking lifestyle and economic opportunities amid trends and affordability pressures. Projections indicate further expansion to 7.26 million by 2046, contingent on continued migration inflows and modest rates. Population distribution remains heavily skewed toward the southeast, where South East Queensland (SEQ) accommodates roughly 70% of residents across urban centers like Greater Brisbane (approximately 2.78 million), the Gold Coast (681,000), and the Sunshine Coast. Brisbane, the state capital, dominates as the primary metropolitan hub, with its greater area housing about 50% of the state's populace despite comprising only 48.1% in the core urban zone, underscoring a relatively decentralized pattern compared to other Australian states. Regional centers such as Townsville, Cairns, and Rockhampton support secondary growth nodes, fueled by mining, tourism, and agriculture, yet these account for less than 15% collectively. The state's overall averages 3.23 persons per square kilometer, emblematic of its vast land area and sparse , with over 60% residing in urban locales while remote regions experience stagnation or decline absent resource booms. Seven of Queensland's ten most populous areas lie within SEQ, highlighting infrastructural strains on and services in coastal corridors, contrasted by net losses in inland and far north areas due to out-migration and aging demographics. This uneven distribution correlates with economic disparities, as urban agglomeration benefits from service sector expansion, whereas rural viability hinges on commodity cycles.
RegionPopulation (2024 est.)Share of State TotalGrowth Rate (2023-24)
Greater 2,780,063~50%2.7%
Gold Coast681,389~12%2.2%
Rest of SEQ~1,000,000~18%2.0%
Regional Queensland~1,122,381~20%1.0%

Ancestry, immigration, and cultural composition

In the 2021 Australian Census, Queensland's population reported ancestries dominated by British and Irish origins, with English ancestry cited by 28.1% of respondents, Australian by 24.7%, Irish by 8.1%, and Scottish by 7.6%; these figures reflect multi-response reporting where individuals may select multiple ancestries. German ancestry followed at 4.4%, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was reported by 3.0%. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples constituted 4.6% of the state's total population of approximately 5.2 million. Overseas-born residents accounted for 22.7%, with the largest groups from New Zealand (4.0%), England (3.7%), India (1.4%), and China (1.1%). European settlement in Queensland commenced with a British penal outpost at in 1824, followed by limited free immigration from the after 1842; separation from in 1859 spurred organized migration schemes, attracting primarily English, Irish, and Scottish for and agricultural pursuits. From the , the sugar industry prompted recruitment of over 62,000 Pacific Islander laborers, known as Kanakas, mainly from , under contracts often involving coercion; following in 1901 and the Pacific Island Labourers Act, approximately 7,500 were forcibly repatriated by 1906, leaving a remnant community whose descendants, termed Australian , numbered 5,562 by the 2021 Census. Post-World War II policies facilitated assisted migration from , including , , and , bolstering labor for and until the 1960s. The dismantling of the in the late 1960s and 1970s shifted inflows toward and the Pacific, with subsequent waves driven by skilled migration, family reunions, and international students; between 2016 and 2021, recent arrivals were predominantly from , , and . This evolution has diversified urban centers like , yet the cultural composition remains anchored in traditions, evidenced by widespread use and heritage practices, alongside growing multicultural enclaves in Southeast Queensland.

Languages, religion, and social indicators

In the 2021 census, 80.5% of Queensland residents spoke English only at home, totaling 4,151,206 people, a decline from 81.2% in 2016. The most common non-English languages were Mandarin (1.6%, or 83,607 speakers), followed by Vietnamese and Punjabi (each 0.6%, or 31,370 and 30,873 speakers, respectively). Among those speaking a non-English language at home, 90,851 reported limited proficiency in spoken English. Indigenous languages are spoken by a small proportion, primarily among Aboriginal and Islander populations, with over 150 such languages identified nationally, though usage in Queensland reflects broader declines due to historical assimilation policies and urbanization. Religious affiliation in Queensland shows a marked shift toward , with 40.7% (2,099,765 people) reporting no in the 2021 , up significantly from prior decades amid national trends of declining institutional . remains the largest category at approximately 48%, dominated by Catholicism (18.6%, or 961,469 adherents) and Anglicanism (11.3%, or 581,373). Smaller groups include , , and , each under 3%, driven by immigration from and the , while mainstream Protestant denominations like Uniting Church have contracted due to aging congregations and lower retention rates. Social indicators reflect Queensland's developed status with challenges in regional disparities and youth outcomes. Life expectancy at birth for 2021–2023 stood at 80.5 years for males and 84.7 years for females, influenced by factors including healthcare access and lifestyle risks like obesity. The total fertility rate hovered around 1.5 births per woman in recent years, below replacement level, correlating with higher female education and workforce participation. Educational attainment includes about 25% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher from the 2021 census, with Year 12 completion rates for 20–24-year-olds near 85%, though lower in remote areas due to socioeconomic barriers. Crime data for 2024 recorded 61,644 assault victims, a 5% increase from the prior year, with Queensland leading Australia in total victims (over 300,000 annually), attributed to population growth, urban density, and enforcement variations rather than inherent societal pathology.[](https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/abs-figures-show-queensland-recorded-the-nations-highest-number-of-crime-victims-in-2024-after-premier-david-crisafulli-staked-his-position-on-tackling-trend/news-story/d4a4b67234dbd49b7525f3094ca83ea3

Government and Politics

State governmental structure

Queensland operates under a Westminster-style as a within the , with the British monarch as , represented locally by the Governor. The emphasizes among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, though executive influence over legislation is significant due to the in the . The state's Constitution Act 2001 codifies key elements, including the unicameral Parliament's composition and functions. The legislative branch comprises the , consisting of the and the unicameral . The Assembly has 93 members elected by preferential voting from single-member electoral districts for fixed four-year terms, with elections held on the last Saturday in October in election years. It holds powers to form government, enact legislation, approve budgets and supply, scrutinize executive actions through committees, and represent constituents. Queensland's Parliament became unicameral in following the abolition of the , distinguishing it from other Australian states with bicameral systems. Bills originate in the Assembly, receive from the , and become law, subject to limited federal override under the Australia Constitution. The executive branch is led by the , who is the leader of the party or commanding a majority in the and is formally appointed by the . The chairs the Cabinet, comprising ministers responsible for specific portfolios, who are also appointed by the on the 's advice and drawn from the Assembly. Executive actions are formalized through the Executive Council, which includes the and advises on regulations, appointments, and prerogatives. The Department of the Premier and Cabinet coordinates government operations, policy implementation, and intergovernmental relations. As of October 2025, serves as , heading a Liberal National Party government elected in October 2024. The , currently Dr. Jeannette Young (sworn in on 1 November 2021), performs ceremonial duties, grants , summons Parliament, and holds reserve powers to ensure stable government, such as appointing or dismissing the in constitutional crises, though these are rarely exercised. The judicial branch maintains independence, with the of Queensland as the superior court of record, encompassing the Trial Division for in serious civil and criminal matters and the Court of Appeal for appeals from lower courts. It handles indictable offenses requiring juries (except judge-alone trials), constitutional challenges, and complex disputes, with jurisdiction extending statewide via circuits. Lower courts include the District Court for mid-level matters and Magistrates Courts for summary offenses, while the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal addresses administrative appeals. Judges are appointed by the on Cabinet advice, with security of tenure to insulate from political pressure.

Major political parties and ideologies

The political system of Queensland features a two-party dominance between the Australian Labor Party (ALP), representing center-left social democratic principles emphasizing expansion, workers' rights, and programs, and the Liberal National Party (LNP), a center-right formed in through the merger of the state's Liberal and National parties, advocating , reduced government intervention, , and traditional values. The LNP's ideology integrates the urban-oriented liberalism of its Liberal component with the agrarian conservatism of the Nationals, prioritizing resource industries, fiscal restraint, and law-and-order policies. Minor parties exert influence through preferential voting and regional strongholds. Katter's Australian Party (KAP), founded in 2011, promotes regionalism, protectionism for agriculture and mining, and skepticism toward free trade, securing representation in electorates. , established in 1997, advances right-wing populist , opposing , high , and regulations perceived as burdensome to industry, with electoral success in outer suburban and rural areas. The Queensland Greens, aligned with environmentalism and progressive social policies including stronger and mandates, typically poll under 10% but influence preferences in urban seats. Following the October 26, 2024, state election, the LNP holds 52 seats in the 93-member , forming a under Premier , while the ALP retains 35 seats as the opposition; KAP holds 2 seats, with the balance comprising independents. Historically, conservative parties governed Queensland for much of the , including the National Party's uninterrupted rule from 1957 to 1983 under , characterized by developmentalism and resistance to federal intervention, before a ended the era in 1989. This legacy underscores a persistent rural-urban ideological divide, with metropolitan leaning toward Labor and Greens, contrasted by conservative support in regional electorates driven by economic reliance on and farming.

Electoral history and recent governance

Queensland's , unicameral since the abolition of the in 1922, consists of 93 members elected from single-member electoral districts using full preferential voting. State elections occur at least every three years, though dates have varied; a 2016 referendum extended terms to four years starting from the 2020 election. Historically, has alternated between Labor and conservative coalitions, with the latter often comprising the Liberal and National parties (merged as the Liberal National Party in 2008). Early post-federation politics featured non-Labor dominance until Labor's rise in the 1910s, followed by conservative rule under figures like Edward Theodore and William Forgan Smith for Labor, and for Nationals-led governments from 1968 to 1987, marked by rural conservatism and controversies over electoral malapportionment favoring non-metropolitan areas until reforms in the . In recent decades, Labor regained power in 1989 under , lost to the Peter Beattie-led resurgence in 1998 that lasted until 2012 amid the global financial crisis and natural disasters. The Liberal National Party (LNP) under won a landslide in 2012 with 78 seats, implementing cuts and projects, but was defeated in 2015 by Annastacia Palaszczuk's Labor, which secured 44 seats amid voter backlash to measures. Labor retained in 2017 (48 seats) with crossbench support, then a majority in 2020 (52 seats) during the , emphasizing health responses and economic stimulus. Palaszczuk resigned in December 2023, succeeded by , whose administration faced criticism over cost-of-living pressures, youth crime, and delays. The 2024 election on 26 October saw the LNP, led by David Crisafulli, secure 52 seats on a 53.8% two-party-preferred vote share, ending nine years of Labor rule and forming a majority government; Labor held 36 seats. Crisafulli, sworn in on 28 October 2024 as the 41st Premier, prioritized youth justice reforms, health system improvements, and housing supply in his first year, amid ongoing challenges like rising crime rates and budget deficits inherited from the prior government. By October 2025, the administration had initiated operations arresting over 1,100 offenders in Far North Queensland as part of anti-crime surges, while navigating federal-state tensions over funding and environmental policies.
Election YearWinning PartySeats WonPremier (Post-Election)
2012LNP78/89
2015Labor44/89
2017Labor (minority)48/93
2020Labor52/93
2024LNP52/93

Relations with federal government and interstate issues

Queensland's relationship with the Australian federal government has frequently been marked by fiscal disputes, particularly over the distribution of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue through the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC). The equalization formula seeks to ensure states have comparable fiscal capacity, but Queensland, as a resource-exporting state, has consistently argued that it subsidizes less prosperous jurisdictions at the expense of its own and services needs, contributing more in GST than it receives. In the 2025-26 financial year, Queensland's GST allocation fell by $2.292 billion, attributed to CGC methodology adjustments that the state government contested as subjective and unfavorable to mining-dependent economies. Under the Liberal National Party (LNP) government led by Premier , elected in October 2024, tensions escalated in March 2025 when Treasurer David Janetzki urged the federal Labor government to reject a proposed redistribution that would divert over $5 billion from Queensland's share, framing it as an unfair penalty for the state's economic productivity. This echoed longstanding grievances, with Queensland receiving approximately 15% of national GST in recent years despite contributing around 20% of the pool, exacerbating debates over federal spending priorities like the (NDIS), where state lobbying sought adjustments to offset perceived over-allocations to other states. Federal-state cooperation persists in areas such as infrastructure funding, with $22.851 billion in specific-purpose payments for 2025-26 covering , and roads, yet Queensland officials have criticized delays and conditions attached to these grants as infringing on state . Interstate relations, primarily with (NSW) and Victoria, have involved border management and resource-sharing frictions, amplified by GST inequities where Queensland accuses southern states of benefiting from its contributions. During the , Queensland's strict border closures from March 2020 onward, including hard restrictions against NSW amid outbreaks, led to economic disruptions for cross-border workers and communities, drawing federal criticism from ministers who labeled the measures politically motivated ahead of the 2020 state election. Historical boundary encroachments along the Queensland-NSW border, such as minor territorial anomalies from 19th-century surveys, remain administrative rather than contentious, but a 2024 between Queensland and NSW enhanced cooperation on and cross-border services. GST disputes have fueled rhetoric, with Janetzki claiming in June 2025 that Victoria and NSW siphoned $800 million from Queensland's allocation to fund state-level shortfalls, underscoring competitive strains without formal arbitration mechanisms beyond the CGC.

Economy

Primary sectors: Mining and agriculture

Queensland's sector constitutes the state's largest industry by , reaching A$61.6 billion in 2023-24 and comprising 12.9% of the total state GVA. The broader resources sector, encompassing , generated $120.2 billion in GVA and supported 554,728 jobs in the same period. dominates production, with Queensland yielding over 224 million tonnes from 59 active mines in the preceding 12 months as of August 2025, primarily thermal and metallurgical varieties exported via ports like Gladstone and Hay Point. Other significant minerals include from the region, supplying much of Australia's alumina needs, alongside , , lead, and zinc from deposits in the Cloncurry and areas. Agriculture provides a vital counterbalance, with the sector's gross value of production forecasted at $23.56 billion for 2024-25, marking the second-highest on record and fueled by strong and outputs. Queensland accounts for 45% of Australia's herd, positioning it as the nation's leading producer and exporter, while dominating 96% of national output, which underpins raw production exceeding 4 million tonnes annually. Horticultural crops such as bananas, mangoes, and pineapples thrive in subtropical zones, complemented by grains like (68% of Australian production) and broadacre farming in inland regions. Agricultural exports totaled $15.6 billion in 2024-25, reflecting a 16.7% rise from the prior year, with and comprising the bulk. Employment in exceeds 60,000 direct roles, concentrated in regional hubs like the , while sustains approximately 73,000 workers, or 2.8% of state , often in rural and coastal areas prone to climatic variability. Both sectors face challenges from global commodity prices, regulatory royalties—as evidenced by Queensland miners' production dip to 145.3 million wet metric tonnes in 2024 amid elevated costs—and weather events impacting yields, yet they anchor export revenues exceeding $100 billion combined annually.

Tourism and services

Tourism constitutes a of Queensland's , with visitors expending $34.7 billion in the year ending 2024, averaging $95 million daily. Domestic overnight visitors accounted for $28.5 billion of this total, while international visitors contributed $6.2 billion, reflecting a robust recovery from pandemic-era disruptions. Including direct and indirect impacts, the sector generated $37.6 billion in gross state product (GSP) for 2023-24, equating to 6.8% of Queensland's overall GSP. Prominent attractions drive this activity, notably the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which hosted 2.13 million visitor days in 2023. The Gold Coast region recorded $8.1 billion in visitor spending for 2024, bolstered by theme parks, beaches, and events. , as the state capital, supported a $12.1 billion tourism output and 80,000 jobs in the year to June 2024, fueled by urban amenities, cultural sites, and conventions. Other draws include the Whitsundays, Sunshine Coast, and tropical , attracting holidaymakers for eco-adventures, wildlife encounters, and coastal retreats. The broader services sector underpins Queensland's economic diversity, encompassing , , , retail, and . Financial and property services, along with and social assistance, rank among the largest contributors to , with the latter at 8.4% of output. Retail and wholesale trade add another 8.2%, supporting consumer-driven growth. and training services, including inflows, further enhance the sector, while accommodation and food services—interlinked with —employ tens of thousands statewide. These industries collectively dwarf resource extraction in employment terms, fostering resilience amid commodity fluctuations.

Manufacturing, construction, and trade

in Queensland generated approximately $29 billion in annual as of 2023, ranking as the fifth-largest contributor to the state's (GVA). The sector employed around 181,000 workers in 2024, comprising 6.1% of total state employment, with significant concentrations in , machinery for and , , and chemical production tied to resource extraction. These activities often leverage local raw materials, such as agricultural outputs for value-added exports and ores for fabricated metals, though the sector faces challenges from high costs and competition from lower-wage imports. The construction industry added $37.6 billion to Queensland's in 2023–24, equivalent to 7.9% of total output, and supported 279,000 jobs amid a surge in demand. Key drivers include a $103.9 billion pipeline of projects through 2028–29, encompassing upgrades, facilities, infrastructure, and preparations for events like the 2032 Olympics, with peak activity projected for 2025–26. capital expenditure reached $22.9 billion in 2024–25, up 40% from the prior year, focusing on roads, rail, and housing to address and bottlenecks. constraints, including labor shortages and volatility, have persisted, with non-residential building approvals fluctuating due to regulatory delays. Queensland's merchandise exports totaled $113.3 billion for the year ending September 2024, down from prior peaks due to softer prices, with ($58.3 billion) and as dominant categories shipped primarily to Asian markets like , , and . Services exports complemented this at $16.7 billion in 2024, driven by and . Imports, including refined ($10.2 billion), supported domestic refining and transport needs. The handled 34.9 million tonnes and 1.62 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in fiscal year 2025, accounting for over 90% of state container trade, while the Port of Townsville processed 6.6 million tonnes annually, focusing on bulk minerals and live cattle exports. Trade volumes reflect Queensland's resource-heavy orientation, with vulnerabilities to global demand shifts and geopolitical tensions affecting and gas flows.

Economic performance and policy challenges

Queensland's economy demonstrated resilience in recent years, with Gross State Product (GSP) growth recorded at 2.1% in 2023-24 and forecasted to strengthen to 2.5% in 2024-25 despite early-year natural disasters. The state's nominal GDP reached A$510.7 billion in 2024, supported by robust employment gains, with trend employment rising 2.8% over the year to June 2025 and unemployment holding steady around 4%. Mining remains the dominant sector, contributing A$61.6 billion in gross value added (12.9% of total GVA) in 2023-24, driven by coal exports of 199 million tonnes and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports valued at A$22.8 billion in 2024. However, per capita economic growth lagged behind other states, averaging 0.67% annually from 2013 to 2023, reflecting population pressures and commodity volatility.
Key Economic IndicatorsValuePeriod/Source
GSP Growth2.5% (forecast)2024-25
Unemployment Rate~4%2024-25 average
GVA Share12.9%2023-24
Coal RoyaltiesA$5.5 billion (forecast)2024-25
Policy challenges include escalating state debt, with net financial position sector (NFPS) debt projected at A$147.8 billion by June 2026, down from prior estimates but still reflecting cumulative deficits exceeding A$80 billion since 2015. Heavy reliance on volatile resource revenues exposes the to global price swings, as evidenced by royalties halving to A$5.5 billion in 2024-25 from A$10.5 billion the prior year due to softening demand. supply shortages persist, prompting commitments for one million new homes by mid-2030s, amid affordability strains from interstate migration and construction delays. Energy embodies tensions between reliability and transition goals, with the state reversing prior commitments to phase out by extending plant operations into the 2040s and adding gas capacity, while targeting 70% renewables by 2032. This shift, announced in October 2025, has drawn criticism for sowing investor uncertainty in renewables rollout, potentially delaying critical minerals development and exposing households to higher prices amid grid strains. Government-owned entities plan over A$5 billion in 2025-26 investments across supply chains, yet fiscal pressures from disaster recovery and needs constrain diversification into and services. These dynamics underscore causal risks from resource dependence and inconsistency, limiting long-term productivity gains despite short-term resource-led buoyancy.

Infrastructure

Transportation networks

Queensland's transportation networks support its economy through extensive road, rail, air, and port infrastructure, facilitating the movement of passengers and freight across a vast area spanning over 1.8 million square kilometers. The state-controlled road network, managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, totals approximately 33,420 kilometers as of 2024, comprising 20% of the total public road network of 182,200 kilometers but carrying 80% of traffic volume. Major highways include the Bruce Highway, which connects Brisbane to Cairns over 1,700 kilometers along the eastern coast, handling significant freight and tourist traffic despite vulnerability to cyclones and flooding. The rail system, operated by , includes a suburban and network in (SEQ) extending over 250 kilometers from southward to Beenleigh and northward, integrated with freight services. Regional lines, such as the North Coast Line, support long-distance passenger services like the tilt train between and Cairns, while freight corridors moved 11.7 million tonnes of cargo in 2021-22, primarily coal, minerals, and agricultural products from inland to coastal ports. SEQ Rail Connect outlines expansions to accommodate , including new lines and electrification to enhance capacity by the 2030s. Air transport centers on (BNE), Queensland's primary international gateway, which handled 22.23 million passengers in 2023-24, ranking third nationally, with parallel runways supporting domestic and global routes. Other key airports include , serving 6-7 million passengers annually with international flights, and , focused on tourism to the , processing around 5 million passengers yearly. Regional air services connect remote areas, though challenges persist in maintaining amid variable demand. Maritime networks feature major ports like the , which processed 34.9 million tonnes of total cargo and a record 1.62 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in FY25, valued at US$73.5 billion, predominantly exports of , , and containers. Bulk Ports, including and Gladstone, handle bulk commodities such as sugar and minerals, contributing to Queensland's 289 million tonnes of loaded cargo nationally in recent years. These facilities underpin export-oriented industries but face pressures from environmental regulations and disruptions. Public transport in SEQ, coordinated by Translink under the Department of Transport and Main Roads, integrates , , ferries, and trams via a contactless system, spanning eight fare zones with flat-rate concessions at 50 cents per journey as of recent policy. The network serves urban commuters in and surrounding areas, with performance metrics tracking on-time running and customer satisfaction, though expansion lags behind population increases in outer suburbs. Regional bus and ferry services extend to areas like Cairns, but reliance on roads dominates outside SEQ due to sparse rail coverage.

Energy production and distribution

Queensland's is predominantly reliant on -fired power stations, which accounted for over 60% of the state's output as of June 2025, supported by approximately 8 GW of capacity. contributes around 10-15% to the mix, with 3.5 GW of capacity primarily used for peaking and backup, while renewables including , and hydro make up about 25%, bolstered by over 5 GW of rooftop solar installations that first exceeded this milestone in October 2025. The state's total installed capacity stands at around 18,000 MW, excluding distributed rooftop , with fossil fuels ensuring reliability amid variable renewable inputs. Key assets include the Callide, Gladstone, Millmerran, and Tarong power stations, which provide baseload supply but face operational challenges from aging and emissions constraints. Queensland also produces significant for domestic use and export via (LNG) projects like Curtis Island facilities, though electricity-specific gas generation is supplemented by peaking plants to manage demand fluctuations. Hydroelectric contributions, such as from the Barron Gorge scheme, add about 1 GW of dispatchable capacity, offering flexibility in the northern regions. Renewable expansion has accelerated, driven by abundant solar resources and government incentives, with utility-scale solar farms and emerging projects contributing to targets of 80% renewable generation by 2035, though necessitates firming from gas and retained . The Queensland Roadmap 2025 emphasizes extending plant operations potentially to 2046 or later for grid stability, while planning at least 2.6 GW of new gas-fired capacity by 2035 and integrating batteries and pumped hydro for storage. This approach contrasts with faster phase-out timelines in prior policies, prioritizing empirical reliability data over accelerated decarbonization amid rising demand from and industry. Electricity distribution in Queensland is managed by state-owned entities: Energex serves the southeast region including , covering about 1.2 million customers, while handles regional and rural areas for over 800,000 customers, ensuring coverage across diverse terrain. Powerlink operates the high-voltage transmission network, connecting generators to distributors and facilitating exports to via interconnectors, with ongoing investments to accommodate renewable integration and load growth. These networks form part of the but maintain Queensland-specific operations, with regulated pricing overseen by the Queensland Competition Authority to balance affordability and infrastructure maintenance.

Utilities and digital connectivity

Queensland's electricity sector is predominantly state-owned, with corporations responsible for , transmission, and distribution serving the majority of the state's needs. Energy Queensland, encompassing entities like and Energex, operates over 200,000 kilometers of networks and 33 isolated systems to supply more than five million residents. The state participates in the (NEM) as a net exporter of , primarily from coal-fired supplemented by growing renewable sources, though transitioning to 70% renewables by 2032 requires significant grid upgrades to maintain reliability amid potential shortfalls, such as an anticipated 80 MW gap in 2025-26 without timely investments. Retail competition exists, with providers like AGL and offering services, but distribution networks remain under Energex in southeast Queensland and Ergon elsewhere. Water utilities in Queensland emphasize bulk supply management, particularly in the populous southeast, where Seqwater oversees dams, weirs, treatment plants, reservoirs, and pipelines as the primary bulk water authority, ensuring safe and resilient through the SEQ Water Grid. Local service providers, such as Urban Utilities, handle distribution, billing, and customer services for areas including , , and the Scenic Rim, with infrastructure charges outlined in annual plans to fund expansions. Statewide, government-owned corporations manage most dams and treatment infrastructure, addressing demand through programs like Seqwater's Water Security Program 2023, which prioritizes secure supply amid variable rainfall, though recent directives aim to enhance price transparency via Queensland Competition Authority reviews. Natural gas supply forms a smaller but critical component, with Queensland serving as a key exporter; covers large-site needs, integrated into the broader energy framework under the Electricity Act 1994 and related regulations. Digital connectivity in Queensland benefits from the (NBN), with the state recording the highest average download usage for three consecutive years as of 2025, reflecting robust urban adoption. Over 800,000 households and businesses became eligible for full-fibre upgrades by late 2024, enhancing speeds to support and education, where nearly half of adult users engaged online in 2021. However, a persists, particularly in regional and remote areas like the Sunshine Coast and northwest Queensland, where NBN fixed connections lag state averages despite rollout completion; the government allocated $28.4 million to 57 initiatives, including northwest broadband and Horn Island Wi-Fi, to mitigate blackspots and improve mobile coverage via fibre backhaul up to 100 Gbps. Nationwide NBN metrics show 8.8 million services, with Queensland's high usage underscoring demand, though rural reliability challenges remain due to geographic isolation.

Culture and Society

Indigenous heritage and contributions

Queensland is home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whose occupation dates back at least 40,000 years in regions such as the , with evidence of continuous human presence supported by archaeological findings including stone tools and occupation sites. Over 150 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups have been identified across the state, reflecting a rich diversity of clans, systems, and territorial connections to specific landscapes known as . Originally, more than 100 languages and dialects were spoken, though today approximately 50 persist, with fewer than 20 maintained at conversational fluency levels due to historical disruptions from and policies of assimilation. Torres Strait Islander heritage, distinct from mainland Aboriginal traditions due to Melanesian cultural influences, centers on the islands between Queensland and , where communities developed seafaring economies, gardening practices, and spiritual systems tied to marine and environments over millennia. Key elements include oral histories, dances, and artifacts such as masks and instruments that encode navigational knowledge and ancestral narratives, preserved through community custodianship despite external pressures. Archaeological heritage manifests in extensive rock art galleries and site complexes, such as the Quinkan rock art region near Laura in Cape York, featuring stenciled figures and motifs estimated to span thousands of years and recognized for their cultural continuity and complexity. Other prominent sites include Carnarvon Gorge's Cathedral Cave and , with layered engravings and paintings depicting ancestral beings, and sandstone shelters like Marra Wonga near Barcaldine containing artifacts from multiple eras. As of June 2024, Queensland's Aboriginal and Islander cultural heritage database records 59,912 site locations, encompassing middens, scar trees, and ceremonial grounds that evidence adaptive technologies for , , and . Indigenous contributions extend to practical knowledge of ecology and resource use, including fire management techniques that shaped pre-colonial landscapes for sustainable yields of native plants and game, principles echoed in contemporary "Caring for Country" programs that integrate traditional practices with modern conservation. Historically, Aboriginal laborers on cattle stations and sheep properties from the late 19th century provided essential workforce for pastoral expansion, often without formal recognition or wages until the mid-20th century. In the present, Indigenous-led ventures, such as guided cultural experiences and art production, generate economic value by leveraging authentic heritage narratives, with strategic projects fostering business ownership and employment in regional communities. Additionally, traditional ecological insights inform sectors like rehabilitation and protection, enhancing resource industry outcomes through partnerships grounded in local expertise.

Mainstream cultural developments

Queensland's mainstream cultural developments, rooted in British colonial settlement from onward, initially mirrored conservative English traditions in , , and social customs before evolving into distinct Australian expressions influenced by the subtropical , rural expansion, and urban growth in . Early cultural activities emphasized community events like , with the first Queensland held in in 1885, fostering choral and instrumental competitions that drew participants from mining towns and coastal settlements. By the late , institutions such as the Royal Queensland Art Society, established in 1887, promoted among settlers, reflecting themes of landscape documentation and pioneer life. These foundations laid the groundwork for a culture prioritizing outdoor pursuits, barbecues, and spectator sports, which integrated with artistic expression amid from and . Visual arts in Queensland advanced through professional documentation and institutional support, beginning with Conrad Martens' watercolors of in the 1830s, which provided the earliest comprehensive European records of the region's topography and settlements. The Queensland Art Gallery, founded in 1895 through efforts by artists like Godfrey Rivers, became a central repository for European and Australian works, expanding with the Gallery of Modern Art's opening in 2006 to showcase contemporary installations and international exhibits. Literature drew from local environments, with 19th-century poet James Brunton Stephens capturing colonial optimism in verse, followed by 20th-century novelists like Thea Astley, whose works critiqued suburban and social dynamics, and , a native whose novels explored identity and history. These outputs often highlighted causal tensions between urban development and rural isolation, supported by state initiatives like the Queensland Literary Awards established in 1995 to recognize narrative innovation. Performing arts flourished via state-backed ensembles, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performing since 1935 and collaborating on major productions, while Queensland Ballet, active from the , stages classical and contemporary works at venues like the (QPAC), opened in 1985 with four halls hosting over 1.5 million annual visitors. Music evolved from colonial chamber ensembles in the , performed in private homes and halls for elite audiences, to popular genres including bush ballads and in the early 20th century, transitioning to rock and punk scenes in during the –, exemplified by bands like The Saints amid anti-establishment youth movements under restrictive governance. Theatre companies at QPAC and the Museum of Brisbane, which integrates art with social history exhibits since 2015, sustain live performances drawing on local narratives. Film production began experimentally in , with surviving actuality films depicting colonial life, street scenes, and events like floods, marking Queensland as an early adopter of motion pictures in . The industry peaked in the 1980s via the state-funded Queensland Film Corporation, which supported features amid federal incentives, though it dissolved by decade's end; subsequent growth relied on international shoots at facilities like on the Gold Coast, contributing to economic diversification while preserving archival home movies from onward that empirically record everyday settler experiences. Modern cultural policy, including funding for festivals like the since 1992, integrates these strands, fostering hybrid forms responsive to demographic shifts without diluting empirical ties to pioneer realism.

Sports, media, and public life

Queensland exhibits a robust sporting culture, particularly in , where the state team, known as the Queensland Maroons, participates annually in the against . As of 2025, Queensland has secured 25 series victories compared to ' 17, with two drawn series since the competition's inception in 1980. The Maroons clinched the 2025 series with a decisive win in the third game, underscoring the event's intense interstate rivalry and its role as a cornerstone of Queensland identity. Professional rugby league franchises based in Queensland include the , , and , competing in the (NRL), with events like the NRL Magic Round hosted annually in drawing large crowds to Suncorp Stadium. Other prominent sports include cricket, with teams such as the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and the Queensland Bulls in Sheffield Shield competitions utilizing venues like the Gabba. Rugby union features the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, while Australian rules football is represented by the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (AFL). Queensland hosts diverse events like the Magic Millions horse racing carnival on the Gold Coast, the Outback Queensland Masters golf tournament, and the Mount Isa Rodeo, reflecting regional variations in sporting interests from urban spectacles to rural traditions. Brisbane was selected as the host city for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, scheduled from 23 July to 8 August for the Olympics and 24 August to 5 September for the Paralympics, promising infrastructure upgrades and heightened focus on sports like swimming and athletics, areas of historical Queensland strength. The media landscape in Queensland is dominated by outlets owned by , including , a daily tabloid covering state , sports, and politics from , and regional publications like The Gold Coast Bulletin. Independent digital platforms such as Brisbane Times provide local reporting on urban issues, , and culture. Television broadcasting includes Seven Queensland for commercial content and ABC Queensland for and current affairs, with ABC maintaining a strong presence in radio through stations like ABC Brisbane, which delivers statewide bulletins emphasizing empirical reporting over editorializing. These outlets shape public discourse, though concentrations of ownership raise concerns about viewpoint diversity, as evidenced by News Corp's control over multiple print and digital assets. Regional television and radio stations, such as those affiliated with Channel Seven, extend coverage to remote areas, fostering community connectivity amid Queensland's dispersed population. Public life in Queensland revolves around community festivals and events that promote engagement and cultural cohesion, often integrating sports, arts, and multicultural elements. The Brisbane Festival, held annually in September, draws participants through performances, exhibitions, and public installations that extend into urban precincts, enhancing everyday civic interaction. Government-funded initiatives like the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program support events celebrating diverse heritages, aiming to build inclusive communities via food, music, and storytelling gatherings. Indigenous-focused festivals, such as the Dream Aloud Festival, highlight First Nations narratives through art and performance, contributing to broader awareness of historical contributions while attracting tourism. Surveys indicate that in 2022, one in three Queensland residents participated in cultural events tied to their backgrounds, including festivals that strengthen local bonds and counter urban isolation. Sports events further animate public life, with State of Origin matches galvanizing statewide participation and post-game gatherings reinforcing social ties across demographics.

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