Labor celebrates at Qld state conference

Queensland's Labor Party faithful have celebrated their unlikely election win at their first state conference since the January poll.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Queensland Labor has finally celebrated seizing power, more than six months after its election win. (AAP)

Queensland Labor has finally celebrated seizing power, more than six months after its unlikely win at the state election.

Party faithful gathered in Brisbane on Saturday for its first state conference since the January poll.

Unsurprisingly, there was lengthy applause for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who told delegates their victory had ensured a "better, fairer Queensland".

In a wide-ranging speech, the premier said her government had been busy "righting many of the vicious wrongs" of the Newman era.

Laughs broke out when she recounted being told by then-deputy premier Jeff Seeney in 2013 she'd be sitting in opposition for 15 years.

"He was only out by 12 years, but good on you for trying Jeff!" she quipped.

She also announced a new plan to look into how confiscated proceeds of crime could be used to fund drug rehabilitation programs targeting the use of ice.

Methamphetamines were taking a heartbreaking toll of Queensland communities and more needed to be done to curb the epidemic, she said.

"We can't just arrest and charge our way out," she said.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Treasurer Curtis Pitt also addressed the conference, while Wayne Swan delivered a heartfelt tribute to former Queensland premier Wayne Goss.

Mr Goss died in November last year from the recurrence of a brain tumour, aged 63.

He had reinvigorated Labor by winning the 1989 state poll and ending more than three decades in opposition for the party.

"He dragged Queensland into the sunlight after 32 years in the darkness," Mr Swan said.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is scheduled to give a keynote address on Sunday.


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Source: AAP


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