Lawrence Springborg says Queensland's LNP will show more empathy and compassion under his leadership as he confirms the party has dumped its controversial asset lease policy.
The newly-elected Liberal National Party leader admits the Newman government, in which he served as health minister, made some unpopular decisions.
But with Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek named his deputy after a three-hour party-room ballot on Saturday, he says he wants to do things differently.
Mr Springborg, who lost three elections as opposition leader in 2004, 2006 and 2009, promises any government he now has the opportunity to lead will be compassionate.
"We understand the people of Queensland were disappointed in certain aspects of our government," he told reporters.
"We understand the people of Queensland wanted us to be far more empathetic with the concerns they had."
The Newman government made massive public service cuts during its first years, and in the lead up to the election presented a plan to lease out state assets that was widely viewed as a sell-off.
Mr Springborg says his party has listened to voter opposition to the plan.
"We understand the people of Queensland want us to know that as we have to make those particular decisions that aren't always popular, we actually have a proper consideration in a compassionate and real way about the impacts of those decisions," he said.
"The LNP has categorically ruled out any asset leases because the people haven spoken in the election," he added later.
Mr Springborg said discussions would continue with Katter's Australian Party crossbenchers Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth about forming a minority government.
KAP says it will keep talking to both the LNP and Labor.
"We will not negotiate with the old (LNP) leadership team," Mr Knuth said.
"Now it's clear cut who we are talking to ... but we'll also continue talking to the Labor party."
Mr Springborg said he was also keeping the door open for independent Peter Wellington who has already pledged his allegiance to Labor.
"Maybe now with changing (leadership) circumstances and (in the seat of) Ferny Grove we can reconvene," he said.
The Brisbane electorate is one of four seats still in doubt. While Labor has a slight lead there, a by-election may be on the cards after it was revealed the Palmer United Party candidate, who preferenced Labor, was ineligible to contest it.
The LNP has held onto 39 seats and is also neck and neck with Labor in Maryborough, Whitsundays and Mt Ommaney.
Labor has won 43 seats and has the backing of Mr Wellington, giving it a total of 44.
It just needs to gain at least one more to win power.
The LNP leadership ballot was called by caretaker premier Campbell Newman after he lost his seat at last weekend's election, and after Jeff Seeney stood down as deputy.
Mr Springborg beat Transport Minister Scott Emerson, Parliamentary Speaker Fiona Simpson and housing minister and former rugby league referee Tim Mander for the top job.
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