Can the LNP overcome the Newman factor?

Critics accuse them of going back to the Joh days, which is code for corrupt, authoritarian government, when in fact there is no whiff of corruption around this government at all.

Indeed, one of the fights they have picked is with major donor Clive Palmer, a leviathan from the Joh days, who they have accused of behaving corruptly.

Despite its poor polling the Newman government has actually been quite effective. It is pro-development, and there is a substantial pipeline of projects in prospect which should take up slack from the decline of the mining boom.

Government expenditure has been controlled.

There are significant decreases in crime.

Not only have hospital waiting lists been shortened, or even abolished, but the government is guaranteeing treatment within time.

School results appear to be improving and the department gradually reformed.

Trains run more frequently and punctually, and a new cross-river tunnel will significantly increase bus and rail capacity and reduce congestion.

Public housing lists have been cut. Government departments are to be housed in a massive new CBD building and the William Street area redeveloped as a tourism and casino precinct.

Privatisation (technically a lease) of government assets will also allow the government to invest $8b in infrastructure.

Newman will be hoping voters will weigh his performance up against their personal unease with him and decide that they would rather have a "strong" performer and a "strong" Queensland than a government they like.

He may also have an ally in the Labor opposition which has yet to release any significant policies, is recycling a number of former members as candidates, and doesn't appear to have done the hard work to make it ready for government.

If electors won't buy "strong" they might decide they want to vote Labor, but in 2018, when they're more ready to be the government.