Queensland voters have rewarded Annastacia Palaszczuk for her efforts to stem the COVID-19 pandemic by electing Labor for a third consecutive term.
Party strategists believe one of the key factors was older voters in the state's southeast, who have tended to back the Liberal National Party, swinging behind Ms Palaszczuk for her tough stance on borders.
As well, a lift in the Greens vote and a collapse in support for Pauline Hanson's One Nation helped deliver preferences to the government in key seats.
"For many Queenslanders, I know it has been an incredibly tough year," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"It has been tough not being able to see your family and friends in other states, or even around the world, as we've been in the midst of a global pandemic.
"But here in Queensland we've all stood strong and united, and together we are on top of the pandemic, and if we continue to work together, we will stay strong."
Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington conceded defeat but vowed to continue as leader.
She urged the premier to think about jobs and the economy as border restrictions remained in place.
"We're in the middle of an economic crisis and it is far from over," she said.
With counting to continue on Sunday, Labor was on track to hold as many as 49 seats - up one on its previous numbers.
The Liberal National Party appeared to have lost a net two seats, taking its numbers to 36 in the 93-seat chamber.
Katter's Australian Party was expected to hold three seats, with the Greens also on track to hold at least two and possibly three seats.
One Nation's Stephen Andrew and independent Sandy Bolton make up the final numbers.
The biggest victim of the night was former deputy premier Jackie Trad, who lost her seat of South Brisbane to the Greens' Amy MacMahon.
LNP deputy leader Tim Mander said the election result was "incredibly disappointing", citing the inability for opposition parties across the country to get any political oxygen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese was full of praise for Ms Palaszczuk.
"Keeping Queensland safe and working," he tweeted.
The pandemic was also a key factor in this year's ACT and Northern Territory election wins for Labor.
Labor's primary vote of 39.7 per cent was based on a swing of 5.3 per cent.
The LNP secured 35.4 per cent of the primary vote.
Significant traction was lost by One Nation, whose vote fell 6.8 per cent.
The swing was not consistent across the state, with Labor doing better in the southeast corner and the LNP performing better in regional areas.
Former LNP premier Campbell Newman said his party's stocks were already low before the pandemic.
"The LNP primary vote was 36 per cent a year ago -we had a problem prior to the pandemic."
A multi-million-dollar advertising blitz by billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer reaped just 0.6 per cent of the statewide vote.
Australian Associated Press
