QUEENSLANDERS have gone to the polls and driven the Labor Party from government in an historic and brutal Election Day. See how it unfolded right here.

10PM: AND THAT'S A WRAP: March 24, 2012, will be remembered as the day the electorate delivered a decisive, devastating blow to an incumbent Labor government. We hope you have enjoyed our minute-by-minute coverage.

DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S SUNDAY MAIL - 20 pages of news and analysis, with detailed statistics about how Queenslanders voted across every seat in the state.

GALLERY: Take a look back across an historic day as Queenslanders went to the polls.

9.52PM: The LNP was on track to win 75 seats, Labor 6, Katter's Australian Party 2, Independents 2 with another 4 seats too close to call.

9.45PM: LNP deputy leader Tim Nicholls said Queenslanders would now be able to drive from Currumbin to Cape York and from Brisbane to Boulia without going through a Labor seat.

"It's an enormous change in the political landscape here in Queensland ... and it's been a great exercise in democracy," he told the Seven Network.

9.33PM: Bob Katter"s Australian Party won two seats and was hoping for victory in a third.

The Federal MP's son Robbie took Mt Isa from Labor's Betty Kiernan and Shane Knuth, who defected from the LNP, held Dalrymple.

Mr Katter was optimistic of winning the Townsville seat of Thuringowa after preferences.

"We have established ourselves as a third party in Queensland," he said. "We are the real Opposition."

9.30PM: A vote counting error has thrown into doubt what seemed to be a certain LNP clean-sweep of the three Townsville-based electorates, with a recount tipped for at least one booth in the seat of Thuringowa.

It's believed preferences were distributed incorrectly at the Kelso polling booth.

media_camera The Townsville Trifecta: LNP candidates John Hathaway (Townsville), David Crisafulli (Mundingburra) and Sam Cox (Thuringowa) celebrate a clean sweep in Townsville. Photo: Samantha Healy

9.17PM: Anna Bligh's cabinet has been almost entirely wiped out, with 10 ministers losing their seats to Liberal National Party candidates.

And the four cabinet members still hanging in there are not assured of keeping their seats.

The biggest loss is Deputy Premier and Treasurer Andrew Fraser, whose lost Mt Coot-tha to the LNP's Saxon Rice.

Education minister Cameron Dick - another leadership frontrunner - has lost his Brisbane seat of Greenslopes to the LNP's Ian Kaye.

Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has lost Stafford to the LNP's Chris Davis.

Minister for Women Karen Struthers is out in Algester, to the LNP's Anthony Shorten.

And Health Minister Geoff Wilson has lost Ferny Grove to the LNP's Dale Shuttleworth.

In Whitsunday, Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt has lost to the LNP's Jason Costigan.

Sports Minister Phil Reeves lost his seat of Mansfield to the LNP's Ian Walker.

Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure Minister Craig wallace has lost Thuringowa in north Queensland to the LNP's Sam Cox.

Disabilities, Mental Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt has lost the far north Queensland seat of Mulgrave to the LNP's Robyn Quick.

And Environment Minister Vicki Darling lost her seat of Sandgate to the LNP's Kerry Millard.

9.16PM: Prime Minister Julia Gillard has congratulated Campbell Newman and the LNP on their win in the Queensland election.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Anna Bligh, who she said led a hard fought campaign.

"Anna Bligh is a hugely talented leader who has worked hard each and every day to deliver Labor reforms for her state," Ms Gillard's statement said.

"Anna created a prep year in the school system to make sure Queensland kids didn't fall behind the rest of the nation from the very start of their schooling life.

"As Premier, Anna also helped secure record mining investments and generate almost 100,000 jobs for the people of Queensland since the last election.

"Just over 12 months ago, Anna showed her true strengths as a leader when she led Queenslanders though the worst floods and cyclone the state has ever seen, and since then, she has committed herself to the reconstruction task to make sure Queensland got back on its feet again.

"A special mention must also go to former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie who also played a vital role in transforming Queensland into the "smart state" it is today - a place where people want to live and businesses want to invest.

"The Gillard Government has a big reform agenda and we will deliver for Queenslanders working with the new LNP Government in areas such as health, education, skills, infrastructure and the rollout of the NBN as we build a strong economy for the future."

9.11PM: John Mickel tells Channel Seven Anna Bligh should resign the party leadership tonight but remain in parliament.

Andrew Fraser says tonight should be about congratulating Campbell Newman and "honouring the contribution to public life that Anna Bligh has made."

9.04PM: LNP candidate for Mackay John Kerslake is enjoying a glass of Queensland tawny port signed by Anna Bligh in the Mackay tally room.

He said he had achieved exactly what he had set out to do make Mackay a marginal seat.

"It is too close to call and we still have pre-poll to count. It is anyone's game," he said. "Regardless of the outcome, at least we will now have someone who will have to fight for Mackay."

8.55PM: In his victory speech, Campbell Newman has vowed the LNP will keep its promises and reiterated assurances the new government would act responsibly.

"You have spoken decisively and emphatically and delivered a strong government so that we can deliver for you and get this great state back on track," he said.

"We are all humbled by the responsibility you have given us. A responsibility that actually weighs heavily but it is cheerfully accepted.

"I pledge to you that we will conduct our self with humility grace and dignity," he said.

"We will work with all Queenslanders regardless of their vote tonight."

Mr Newman also thanked voters who had never before supported the LNP, adding it was "an honour" to be trusted with their votes.

He also acknowledged Anna Bligh's "service to Queensland" paying particular attention to her "inspirational" leadership during the summer of disaster.

media_camera Campbell Newman claims victory at the LNP party headquarters at the Hilton Hotel. Picture: Adam Smith

8.40PM: Campbell Newman prepares to claim victory.

8.38PM: A merciless Bob Katter had some harsh words for Anna Bligh tonight, following her defeat at the polls.

"Did you really think people would vote for you?" he said.

"Congratulations Anna - you saved the trees but the people well and truly cut you down."

Mr Katter said he expected his party to take out 10 seats at the next federal election and said he was "very gratified" by the three state seats the KAP have claimed thus far.

"We're laying down the battle lines'" he said.

"We most certainly intend to be the (state) opposition."

When asked about gay marriage, Mr Katter said: "We're talking about serious issues."

8.30PM: Annastacia Palaszczuk, who looks likely to retain her seat of Inala says "we won't be talking about that tonight" when asked if she is a potential opposition leader.

8.20PM: Anna Bligh has conceded defeat after a blood bath for Labor at the Queensland election.

"It's clear tonight that the people of Queensland have spoken with the strongest possible voice and they have voted for a change of government," she told supporters in South Brisbane.

"Queenslanders today have decisively endorsed change."

She congratulated the Liberal National Party and leader Campbell Newman on what she called an historic victory.

"I wish Campbell Newman all the best as he embarks on the task of forming a new government and of assuming the responsibility of office."

Ms Bligh said Labor supporters would be disappointed and "days like this are tough" but that was part of democracy.

She said it had been Labor that had "transformed this state" before listing its achievements in office.

But Queensland's first female and 23rd premier said she accepted responsibility for the loss, including her failure to convince Queenslanders of the need to sell assets.

Ms Bligh gave special thanks to her deputy, Andrew Fraser, who has lost his western Brisbane seat of Mount Coot-tha.

"He is one of the brightest and best minds that I've ever worked with," she said.

"He is one of the most decent human beings that I've ever met, and he's all that any leader could ever ask for in a deputy.

"I believe that he's a young man with a magnificent future."

She also thanked her family, including son Oliver, who was celebrating his 19th birthday.

"This time 19 years ago I was in labour, this campaign's been a bit like that, but five weeks longer," she joked.

Ms Bligh ended her speech with "Queenslanders thank you, it's been an honour."

media_camera Anna Bligh with her family while she concedes defeat at ALP Headquarters. Picture: Rob Maccoll.

8.15PM: Anna Bligh concedes defeat.

"It's absolutely clear tonight that Queenslanders have spoken with the strongest possible voice and they have voted for a change of government," she said.

8.15PM: Eight Labor ministers, including Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser, have lost their seats to the LNP.

Mr Fraser, the treasurer, has lost Mt Coot-tha to the LNP's Saxon Rice.

Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has lost Stafford to the LNP's Chris Davis.

Minister for Women Karen Struthers is out in Algester, to the LNP's Anthony Shorten.

And Health Minister Geoff Wilson has lost Ferny Grove to the LNP's Dale Shuttleworth.

In Whitsunday, Tourism Minister Jan Jarratt has lost to the LNP's Jason Costigan.

Sports Minister Phil Reeves lost his seat of Mansfield to the LNP's Ian Walker.

Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure Minister Craig wallace has lost Thuringowa in north Queensland to the LNP's Sam Cox.

Disabilities, Mental Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt has lost the far north Queensland seat of Mulgrave to the LNP's Robyn Quick.

8.15PM: A handful of children are running around and playing in the tally room.

The grown-ups remain relatively still.

8.11PM: Anna Bligh has just arrived at Southbank.

8.10PM: Townsville-based Labor MPs and a first-time candidate have been watching their electoral chances slip away in sombre private gatherings around the city.

Only Labor party faithful have been allowed into the three scheduled after election events.

Mundingburra candidate Mark Harrison was locked away in a room of the Electrical Trades Union building watching the seat-by-seat disaster unfolding for Queensland Labor.

Only campaign workers were allowed through the front doors of the union building.

Thuringowa MP Craig Wallace was similarly bunkered down in his electorate office surrounded by his closest campaign workers and refused requests to speak to the media.

8.07PM: Radio personality Kate Langbroek has tweeted about her brother's part in the LNP's destruction of the ALP.

"Wow. My brother John-Paul is part of a historic political routing of The qld alp. Gulp," she tweeted.

8.04PM: Anna Bligh is reported to be five minutes away from Labor headquarters. Journalists aren't allowed inside but it's reported to be "pretty quiet".

8.02PM: Stunned former Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, who retired at this election, said: "It's horrific".

He said some good Labor people had lost their seats and the party would have to start afresh to rebuild.

"But we will recover. We've been around for over 100 years," said Mr Lucas.

8PM: Labor's Kate Jones has conceded defeat in the Queensland electoral battleground of Ashgrove.

Ms Jones says she has called Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman to congratulate him on winning.

"I phoned Campbell Newman, the premier-elect, before I came here and congratulated him on making history," she told supporters in Ashgrove on Saturday.

Ms Jones described Mr Newman's win as "convincing".

"He knows that there is a lot of weight on his shoulders with a very convincing win tonight," she said.

"I hope that he lives up to the expectations that have been placed on him tonight."

7.59PM: Two hours into the count, the LNP had won 72 seats, Labor a meagre six, Katter's Australian Party two, Independents two and seven were still undecided.

7.56PM: Former premier Peter Beattie's old seat of Brisbane Central fell to the LNP as former union leader Grace Grace was thumped by the LNP's Rob Cavalluci.

media_camera The LNP's Rob Cavallucci with wife Carlyn and friends and supporters start the celebrations. Picture: Mark Calleja

7.55PM: Labor's Patrick Bulman has conceded Pine Rivers to his LNP opponent Seath Holswich after a swing of between 14 per cent and 15 per cent.

"It's time for Labor to reunite and rejuvenate," Mr Bulman said.

7.53PM: LNP gains included: Redcliffe, where United Retail Federation president Scott Driscoll secured nearly 50 percent of the primary vote against Labor's Lillian van Litsenburg, and Burleigh where Michael Hart got a 20 percent swing from sitting MP Christine Smith on early counting.

Controversial LNP candidate in Cairns, former newspaper columnist Gavin King who drew fire for comments including suggesting women who were raped when drunk were partly responsible, was leading with more than a third of the votes counted.

7.48PM: Some Labor supporters are reported to be caught in a broken lift at headquarters in Southbank.

7.48PM: Katter's Australian Party state Leader Aidan McLindon looks likely to lose Beaudesert to the LNP.

7.46PM: The LNP is set for a clean sweep on the Gold Coast, after Christine Smith and Peter Lawlor have declared for the seats of Burleigh and Southport respectively.

Still in play is the seat of Broadwater, the most tightly contested in the region, although polling is favouring the LNP's Verity Barton.

7.45PM: Labor may hold only two seats north of Brisbane Mackay, held by Agriculture Minister Tim Mulherin, and Rockhampton where Bill Byrne was ahead in the electorate vacated by retiring ALP veteran Robert Schwarten.

7.40PM: With few surprises popping up on the screens at the front of the hall, several people have left the tally room.

Most observers are now lounging quietly in their chairs and showing few signs of interest. There were no cheers or gasps as the count swung wildly in the LNP's favour.

7.40PM: Queensland has a new government after a massive swing to Campbell Newman's Liberal National Party.

Can Do claimed victory over Labor's Kate Jones in the must-win seat of Ashgrove at 7.35pm, with a 16.3 percent swing counting pointing to a 59.2 percent victory on a two-party basis.

The former Brisbane Lord Mayor looks set to be joined by at least 64 colleagues as seats tumbled quickly all over Queensland.

After 90 minutes of counting, Labor seemed assured of only five seats in the new Parliament and likely to claim only 10 at best.

The rout claimed a swag of high-profile scalps.

Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser lost the LNP's Saxon Rice in Mt Coot-Tha.

Other victims are expected to include Health Minister Geoff Wilson (Ferny Grove), Tourism Minister (Whitsunday), Employment Minister Stirling Hinchliffe (Stafford), Communities Minister Karen Struthers (Algester), and even Environment Minister Vicky darling who had ben considered safe with a 12.4 percent margin.

Bob Katter's Australian Party looked set to pick up three wins, including his son Robbie in Mt Isa, but the party's state leader Aidan McLindon was in big trouble in Beaudesert.

7.39PM: Police are outside Labor headquarters to maintain "public safety". About 60 Labor supporters are estimated to be inside waiting for Anna Bligh.

7.39PM: There is applause at the LNP party faithful function in Townsville as the LNP claim major scalps across the state and Mundingburra candidate David Crisafulli wins.

7.37PM: Agriculture minister Tim Mulherin claws back the lead over LNP candidate John Kerslake but the seat of Mackay is still too close to call.

7.36PM: LNP's Dale Shuttlewoth is claiming victory over Health Minister Geoff Wilson in Ferny Grove.

Tim Nicholls says former NRL referee Tim Mander appears to have defeated Labor's Murray Watt in Everton.

7.36PM: Anna Bligh's seat of South Brisbane too close to call.

7.29PM: Campbell Newman has arrived at the party function at the Hilton.

7.29PM: Labor's Minister for Women Karen Struthers has lost her seat of Algester to the LNP's Anthony Shorten.

7.28PM: Projecting ahead to the final tally, Channel Nine said the likely outcome was Labor 10, LNP 73, the Katter party three, and three independents.

Former Labor premier Peter Beattie congratulated LNP leader Campbell Newman, who analysts say has also won his seat in parliament, defeating Labor's Kate Jones in Ashgrove.

"Let me be the first to congratulate Campbell Newman," Mr Beattie told the Nine Network.

"In a democracy the people are the boss. The people have spoken.

"They've rejected the Labor party, they've elected Campbell Newman and his team and I want to be the first to say congratulations."

7.26PM: Labor's Jason O'Brien loses Cook. It's now a battle between the LNP and the KAP.

7.25PM: Andrew Fraser has conceded the seat of MT Coot-tha to the LNP's Saxon Rice.

Channel Seven is predicting the LNP will win 78 seats while Labor will hold just six.

7.19PM: The LNP has won government in Queensland.

After 70 minutes of counting, there was a statewide swing of nearly 15 percent to the LNP.

At that stage, the LNP looked set to win 65 seats an increase of 35.

Labor would have just four seats, Katter's Australian Party three and Independents three

media_camera Campbell and Lisa Newman celebrate on arriving at the campaign party at the Hilton Hotel. Picture: Jamie Hanson

7.19PM: Katter's Australian Party candidate for Mt Isa Robbie Katter is leading Labor's Betty Kiernan. He tells Channel Seven "It's looking pretty good".

He also admits to owning a white hat.

7.18PM: United Retail Federation president Scott Driscoll looked set to win Redcliffe for the LNP with 69.5 percent of the two-party preferred vote after 10 percent of votes were counted

7.17PM: Andrew Fraser thanks people of Mt Coot-tha for giving him the "enormous privilege" of serving three terms as local member. He goes on to congratulate Tim Nicholls.

"You can rise above the melee of politics on nights like this."

7.16PM: After 70 minutes of counting, there was a statewide swing of nearly 15 percent to the LNP.

At that stage, the LNP looked set to win 65 seats an increase of 35.

Labor would have just four seats, Katter's Australian Party three and Independents three.

7.11PM: Still to early to call but the ALP looks set to lose all three Townsville seats.

7.10PM: Controversial Cairns candidate, former newspaper columnist Gavin King, was on track for victory, with an 11 percent swing to the LNP on early counting.

7.09PM: LNP candidate David Crisafulli is leading Mark Harrison of the ALP in the key seat of Mundingburra.

7.07PM: Campbell Newman appears to be the new premier of Queensland.

With 6.9 percent of votes counted in the crucial seat of Ashgrove, a 16.3 percent swing was giving the LNP 59.2 percent of the poll on a two-party preferred basis.

7.07PM: LNPs John Kerslake set to win the seat of Mackay despite a 16.7 per cent margin in favor of Tim Mulherin of the ALP.

7.06PM: Federal Senator Barnaby Joyce says "the Labor Party has convinced Queensland that they're incompetent".

7.05PM: Tight race between LNPs Andrew Cripps and KAPs Jeff Knuth in Hinchinbrook.

7.04PM: After an hour's counting, a string of Labor ministers were struggling, including Deputy Pemier Andrew Fraser in Mt Coot-Tha, Tourism Minister Jan Jarrett in Whitsunday, Community Services Minister Karen Struthers in Algester, Child safety Minister Phil reeves in Mansfield, Health Minister Goff Wilson in Ferny Gove, Employment Minister Stirling Hinchliffe in Stafford and Roads Minister Craig Wallace in Thuringowa.

7.03PM: Motorists driving past Labor's Southbank headquarters are calling out messages of both support and abuse for Labor but there is still no sign of Anna Bligh.

7.03PM: Channel Seven reports Independent Liz Cunningham is well ahead and on track to reclaim Gladstone.

7.02PM: Massive 47 percent swing to KAP candidate Robbie Katter, son of Federal MP Bob Katter

7.02PM: Labor minister Rachel Nolan and the LNP's Ian Berry, after 6.3 per cent counted, are dead even in the seat of Ipswich on 33.77 per cent of the vote each. Nolan went into the election with a 16.7 per cent margin.

7.02PM: LNPs Rosemary Menkins to retain the seat of Burdekin.

7.01PM: Andrew Fraser say Labor party is indebted to Kate Jones for the "grace and tenacity" she has shown during the campaign.

6.58PM: Channel Seven reports Andrew Fraser is trailing LNP's Saxon Rice 60 per cent to 24 per cent with one per cent of vote counted in Mt Coot-tha.

6.58PM: LNP's John Hathaway is leading Labors Mandy Johnstone in the key seat of Townsville but still too early to call.

6.56PM: With just over 10 per cent of votes counted, LNP defector Rob Messenger was behind his old party's candidate Stephen Bennett in the central Queensland seat of Burnett.

6.55PM: LNP supporters cheering as Campbell Newman creeps ahead of Kate Jones in Ashgrove.

6.54PM: In must win seat of Ashgrove, there is a 16 per cent swing to Campbell Newman with less than five per cent of the vote counted.

6.54PM: Katter's Australian Party MP Aidan McLindon is behind in Beaudesert with 4 per cent of the vote counted.

6.53PM: Bob Katter has claimed victory in Dalrymple for Shane Knuth. Peter Beattie says Dalrymple is a "good" win for the Katter party.

6.52PM: Channel Seven reports Campbell Newman is ahead at 51 per cent to Kate Jones' 35 per cent with two per cent of votes counted in Ashgrove.

6.51PM: Channel Seven reports early count has Tim Mulherin behind in Mackay and Craig Wallace behind in Thuringowa.

6.50PM: Labor minister Rachel Nolan is ahead in very early counting in the seat of Ipswich. In the nearby seat of West Ipswich, Labor MP Wayne Wendt is trailing his LNP opponent Sean Choat.

6.49PM: Retiring speaker John Mickel tells Channel Seven he is "too old to cry but it hurts too much to smile".

6.48PM: The ABC's expert Antony Green called a Liberal National Party victory, saying the party already won 51 seats more than Labor held in the last parliament. He put Labor at seven seats, Katter's Australian Party on three and others on one

6.47PM: Rob Messenger behind in Burnett with 5.4 per cent counted. LNP's Stephen Bennett ahead but still too close to call.

In Everton, one of the state's most marginal seats, Murray Watt is suffering a 13 per cent swing against him. LNP's Tim Mander expected to win.

6.47PM: With five percent of votes counted, Labor's Murray watt a former chief of staff to Anna Bligh was trailing well behind the LNP's Tim Mander

6.46PM: Tim Nicholls say the LNP is ready for government but won't claim victory just yet.

6.46PM: Andrew Fraser says he believe Anna Bligh will hold on to her seat of South Brisbane but declines to speculate on who might lead the party after the election.

"I think it will be one of the few seats that we do hold," he said,

Kate Jones says she is looking forward to thanking the 100s of volunteers who have worked on her campaign.

media_camera Partygoers watch the poor results for Labor on the television at Kate Jones' after party at North's Hockey Club. Picture: Bruce Long

6.45pm: Nine per cent swing against Anna Bligh in her own seat of South Brisbane but she is still expected to hold on.

6.45PM: Less than 45 minutes after counting began, ABC election expert Antony Green said he could already see more than 20 Labor seats falling to the LNP as results came in.

6.43PM: Early numbers show a strong swing to Katters Australian Party in North Queensland.

6.42PM: Channel 7 - Graham Richardson on early counting: "Katter is clearly doing better than he was supposed to do."

6.42pm: Greenslopes trend is also bad for Labor with LNP Ian Kaye ahead of Cameron Dick.

6.37PM: Anna Bligh is expected to arrive at ALP headquarters at Southbank just after 7pm. The mood is somber; just a handful of Labor supporters are waiting inside for the Premier to arrive.

The media have been told Ms Bligh will not answer questions tonight but that she will hold a press conference tomorrow morning.

6.36PM: Kate Jones says she is hoping Labor holds 12 seats. Treasurer Andrew Fraser says he thinks Labor will hold under a dozen and "mine won't be one of them".

Deputy LNP leader Tim Nicholls prediocts Labor will win 15 seats.

6.36PM: Early booth results in the Whitsundays showed the LNP's Jason Costigan taking a big lead over sitting Labor MP and Tourism Minister Jan Jarrett

6.36PM: Channel 7 - Deputy premier Andrew Fraser: "I think there will be less than 10 seats."

6.35pm: Kate Jones has conceded she won't win Ashgrove. She says there will be a lot of "soul searching" in Labor.

6.31PM: Queenslanders appear to have voted for change, Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman said just after the polls closed.

He refused to claim victory, but said things were looking very good for his party.

"I'll keep the powder dry for a while yet," he told ABC television shortly after polls closed.

6.29PM: In Nanango, LNP's Deb Freckington ahead of Katter candidate Cark Rackemann.

6.26PM: LNPs Robert Cavallucci leading Grace Grace in Brisbane Central on very early count. In Whitsunday, with 1.7 just per cent of the vote counted, Labor's Jan Jarratt is behind.

6.22PM: Katter MP Shane Knuth ahead in Dalrymple in very early counting.

6.20PM: A confident Bob Katter says he already has an eye on the Federal election and most of his candidates are aged under 35, so are likley to hang around for many more campaigns.

"This is an army on the march," he said, adding the ALP deserved to lose the state election for selling off Queensland assets.

6.16PM: STEVE Kilburn's step-daughter Hannah Nixon said the Labor encumbent is staying positive ahead of an expected landslide LNP win.

Handing out how-to-vote cards at Belmont State School since 7am today, Ms Nixon said the crowds hadn't been as big as previous years.

As the most marginal seat in Queensland, Chatsworth MP Steve Kilburn gained the seat by 74 votes in the 2009 election.

"I (handed out how-to-vote cards) for him last election," Ms Nixon said.

"He's staying positive. Last time we just didn't know until the last minute."

6.15PM: Guests are gathering outside the boardroom at the Hilton where Campbell Newman is expected to deliver his victory speech.

6.12PM: A splash of colour in the tally room as a few strays from the craft and sewing fair wander in from next door.

"Which party are you with?" a busy Peter Beattie asked the four women in bright pink and sparkling hats as he walked past.

"We're from the Glitter Party," came the snappy reply.

Lee Corser, 64, said she was "nervous" and had ventured into the hall to "see someone win".

"This is the first time I've voted Liberal in 43 years," she said. "I was a bit nervous when I was marking the ballot paper."

media_camera Ladies from the craft and sewing fair wandered into the Tally Room from next door. "Which party are you with?" asked Peter Beattie. "We're from the Glitter Party," came the snappy reply.

6.11PM: LNP parliamentary leader and likely deputy premier Jeff Seeney said: "There is a big swing out there. We are certainly looking at something approaching double figures and possibly more."

6.06PM: Bob Katter says regardless of the result tonight the KAP has a "full army in the field".

6.05PM: Mr Newman thanked the people of Ashgrove for their "forbearance and patience" during the intense campaign in the electorate. He said he always thought the result there would mirror the overall election outcome

6.03PM: LNP leader Campbell Newman told ABC presenter Kerry O'Brien: "it does sound like the people of Queensland have voted for change fairly significantly."

6PM: Polls have closed. The race is over. Now for the count.

5.53PM: "People are in jail because I put them there," Mr Beattie said in response to a question from Madonna King about two ministers being put in jail on his watch.

"No one could have won this election after privatisation, not even me."

5.51PM: Beattie on Channel Nine - 'What the Labor Party needs to do is not have recriminations. Anna Bligh and her like have never moved away from taking responsibility. We will move on."

5.50PM: Channel Nine: Clive Palmer "What you'll see tonight is the Labor Party down below five seats. They'll be lucky if there's five."

5.47PM: A political commentator is predicting the independent Member for Burnett, Rob Messenger, will lose his seat in southern Queensland tonight.

Mr Messenger was first elected in 2004 as a Liberal National Party (LNP) member, but left the party to stand as an independent in 2010 and holds the seat with a more than 11 per cent margin.

He was responsible for pursuing the Jayant Patel scandal at Bundaberg Hospital.

Queensland University of Technology Professor Clive Bean says LNP candidate Steven Bennett could easily win.

"Once a person loses the backing of one of the major parties, it's a very, very difficult road to get elected - it's a very hard task," he said.

5.45PM: The tally room at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition centre is still relatively quiet.

A few small pockets of chatter can be heard, but the atmosphere is most certainly relaxed.

5.31PM: Channel Nine - "Regional areas are our bread and butter areas and we need to take care of them," Lawrence Springborg said.

5.31PM: Former Premier Rob Borbidge predicts Anna Bligh in trouble in her own seat of South Brisbane which she holds by 15.01%

5.28PM: Channel Nine - Campbell Newman's good luck charm is a little green elephant in his pocket while Kate Jones wore some beads made by a schoolgirl which spelled out "Keep Kate".

media_camera Campbell Newman holding his lucky elephant at the polling booths. Picture: Jamie Hanson

5.26PM: Channel Nine says LNP gain 14.6 per cent in Brisbane and 6.5 per cent in regional centres. Peter Beattie: "On these figures, Campbell will win Ashgrove". Laurie Oakes: "Campbell Newman is home and hosed".

5.26PM: The LNP party room has been evacuated so Fanta the sniffer dog can sweep the room.

5.22PM: Peter Beattie said democracy had spoken but there was a personal cost. "Anna Bligh will be going through hell at the moment."

5.21PM: Commenting on the Nine exit poll, the LNP's biggest financial backer, billionaire Clive Palmer said Anna Bligh faced "the most spectacular loss for any Labor leader in history. She has got a special place in history".

5.20PM: Bob Katter says there's still a way to go before the KAP becomes a major party, but he's created a "guerrilla army". "We're the smallest and youngest dog in the fight," he told Channel 9.

5.18PM: Anna Bligh is at home at Highgate Hill but headed to ALP headquarters when she moves to concede defeat, Channel Nine say

5.17PM: Veteran political commentator Laurie Oakes says it will be hard for Campbell Newman to control a large backbench. "It will take all his diplomacy," he said.

5.16PM: Peter Beattie tweets "Kate Jones has run a brilliant campaign. She is the future."

5.16PM: Sky News reports exit polls show 15.3 per cent swing to the LNP. Labor to lose 44 seats.

5.15PM: Labor MP John Mickel tells Channel 10 Anna Bligh must resign tonight as blame for defeat rests at her feet.

5.15PM: Labor could be left with 10 or fewer seats in an election bloodbath, according to an exit poll for the Nine network.

The poll gives the Liberal National Party 63 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, to Labor's 37 per cent.

Anna Bligh's team would have 10 or less MPs in the 89-member Parliament based on the 13 percent swing.

The result was described as "an absolute shocker" by former Labor premier Peter beattie.

5.12PM: The Greens confirmed to Ten News that a volunteer at Woombye was punched in face by voter.

5.09PM: On Channel Nine, Peter Beattie says "Campbell Newman will win the seat of Ashgrove and Campbell Newman will be the Premier of Queensland."

5.09PM: Final preparations underway in the LNP party room at Brisbane Hilton Hotel.

5.05PM: Peter Beattie takes to Twitter to say "ALP will be years in the re-building."

5.02pm: Channel Nine Exit polling gives LNP 51 per cent of primary vote, Labor 26 per cent and 11 per cent for Katters Australian Party.

5.01PM: Bob Katter has arrived at the tally room, greeted by applause from cabbies.

5.00PM: Madonna King is obviously anticipating some trouble in the tally room. The Channel 9 panellist has just tweeted: "Lawrence Springborg just asked me to act as referee between him & Bob Katter tonight on Channel 9."

VIDEO: Campbell Newman and Anna Bligh cast their ballots.

4.40PM: Campbell Newman is still campaigning around the seat of Ashgrove. He's made it to Mitchelton State School.

4.31PM: LNP young gun Wyatt Roy has been out and about supporting state candidates in his electorate. He Tweeted: "Finishing up the day at Narangba Valley SHS supporting Darren Grimwade, LNP Candidate for Morayfield".

4.30PM: Sky News exit polls show voters were most concerned about the Cost of Living (69 per cent), followed by Delivery of State Services (63 per cent), Carbon Tax (44 per cent) Mining Tax (35 per cent), and Campbell Newman's business dealings (17 per cent). LNP leader Campbell Newman's business dealings the main target of Labor's campaign registered with just 17 percent of people.

4.28PM: Ipswich West Labor MP Wayne Wendt says he's not nervous about reclaiming his seat - which he has held since 2006 - despite the predicted swing against his party.

But he said he's not interested in gunning for a shadow cabinet position if Labor loses the election.

"I'd have to talk to my family about that," he said.

"I'm very good at being a backbencher and a local member."

4.27PM: The LNP wants "urgent action" from the Electoral Commission over unauthorised civil union how-to-vote cards and is seeking legal action against Labor deputy premier Andrew Fraser and campaign director Anthony Chisholm.

"Both Mr Fraser and Mr Chisholm are personally in contempt of the Supreme Court over their refusal to withdraw the controversial how-to-vote cards," Mr Nicholls claimed.

"The LNP has photographic evidence that despite an earlier Supreme Court order banning the use of the leaflets, Labor people are still distributing them at the Toowong polling booth.

4.25PM: Federal Labor Minister Craig Emerson says Labor is going to lose because of "longevity". Says it was legitimate to raise issues about Campbell Newman's financial interests.

4.22PM: LNP legal action in the Supreme Court today to stop the distribution of voting material in support of civil unions is an "ominous sign of what's ahead", Labor says.

"It is clear Mr Newman and the LNP want to not only repeal Civil Unions in Queensland, but also to prevent civil unions from being discussed at polling booths - the ultimate expression of democracy," said assistant state secretary Jackie Trad.

A National Union of Workers official was listed as authorising the flyers, but the LNP says Labor campaign workers handed them out without proper registration in breach of electoral rules.

4.20PM: As he toured the booths in Stafford, LNP candidate Chris Davis, 58, a specialist in geriatric medicine, said he was trying to "encapsulate the experience of age and enthusiasm of youth".

When asked if he was interested in becoming the next health minister if he and the LNP won, he said: "Whoever is the health minister, I'll be sharing my 20 years experience at Prince Charles Hospital and in my previous role of AMA Queensland president."

4.18PM: In the State's most marginal Labor seat of Chatsworth, on Brisbane's southside, there were a few complaints by ALP sitting member Steve Kilburn's wife Natalie, his campaign manager, about dirty tricks by LNP booth workers.

A returning officer was called in to mediate at Carina Senior Citizens' booth, after an LNP worker began steering voters through a back entrance door that was not supposed to be open. It meant they were bypassing the other parties' booth workers.

4.16PM: On a day when the election was first and foremost on his mind Campbell Newman clearly forgot not to upstage the bride.

The LNP candidate for Ashgrove was one of the crowd outside the St Finbarr's School parish in Ashgrove watching the guests arrive for the wedding of Nathan Peters, 31, and Kate (Kathrine) Quick, 27.

Waiting for the bride to arrive Mr Newman, who has been married to wife Lisa for almost 21 years, jokingly denied he was a gate crasher.

"They sort of decided to have their wedding in the middle of our election you know," he said. "Dear me - bad planning."

media_camera Getting married on election day, Kathrine and Nathan Peters from Kelvin Grove exchanged vows at the St Finbarrs Catholic Church and polling booth in Ashgrove. Picture: Jamie Hanson

4.14PM: Former federal Liberal MP Cameron Thompson tweets " Former MPs be strong. New MPs be gracious. Long live our democracy." Hear hear.

4.11PM: Mansfield LNP candidate and high-profile lawyer Ian Walker has defended his spending in the electorate after sitting MP Phil Reeves said he had never seen such a cashed-up conservative campaign.

"We were allocated our budget under the salary cap we spent up to that but I wouldn't have thought it was an extraordinarily expensive campaign," he said.

4.10PM: LNP young gun Jarrod Bleijie says he's focusing on "getting through today" and won't speculate about whether he could become Queensland's next attorney-general.

The member for Kawana on the Sunshine Coast and shadow AG says "Campbell Newman will have those discussions with people".

Mr Bleijie will celebrate with volunteers, family and friends at Club Kawana after 6pm.

4.10PM: Labor strategist Bruce Hawker tells Sky News that Anna Bligh is still a very popular figure in Qld politics. He says she is much more popular than the party.

4.01PM: Labor MP Wayne Wendt says he is upbeat as he defends a margin of 9.6 per cent in Ipswich West. "I'm feeling good," he told the Queensland Times. "Of course you can never tell until it's over.

3.58PM: There have been reports of the good, bad and the ugly as thousands of voters turned out in hot conditions across booths in Ipswich, Ipswich West and Bundamba.

Independent for the seat of Ipswich Patricia Petersen called in a security guard as she claimed an elderly voter attacked her with an umbrella, the LNP's Ian Berry and ALP sitting member Rachel Nolan exchanged pleasantries at one booth, and Kelly Keys, the daughter of Katter's Australian Party hopeful Will Keys, recalled less than friendly voting in her homeland of Zimbabwe.

3.47PM: ALP candidate for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg is still hoping she can retain her seat despite predictions the LNP's Scott Driscoll will win it.

"I've been at three (polling booths) already this morning and it has not been bad at any if them," Ms van Litsenburg said at the Kippa-Ring State School polling booth this afternoon.

3.42PM: Bob Katter says one in three voters exiting the pre-polling booths in Townsville on Friday gave him the thumbs up or shook his hand. He said it surprised him because the city was not considered a "strong contender" for The Australian Party.

media_camera KAP candidate for Mt Isa Robert Katter is helped out by his dad Bob Katter at the polling booths. Picture: Outback Photographics, Roslyn Budd

3.21PM: Fiona Simpson has held the seat of Maroochydore for two decades but is working flat out today, saying she's not taking anything for granted.

"We lost one booth - the Mooloolaba Child Care Centre because it was flooded during Thursday's storm, but I have visited all the others to talk to voters and thank our volunteers," the LNP MP said.

"It's looking positive, but I never count my chickens."

3.15PM: Bligh's team confirms she will not go to the Tally Room tonight. Instead she will visit ALP campaign headquarters in South Brisbane.

3.14PM: The Gold Coast Bulletin reports that former LNP leader John-Paul Langbroek got some support at the Surfers Paradise booths from his celebrity sister Kate.

3.11PM: Nervous Sunshine Coast Independent Peter Wellington says the battle to retain his seat against former Wallabies coach John 'Knuckles' Connolly will be "neck-and-neck".

"There's certainly a swing on," said the long-serving MP today.

"There is a strong push for change and more voters are taking LNP flyers. They seem to be very firm and know exactly what they want."

Mr Connolly was flanked by rugby great Tim Horan when he visited the Bli Bli booth this morning.

He said his nerves were similar to when he was Wallabies coach and preparing for a big game.

"It's like when we were getting set to play a massive Test in front of 80,000 or 90,000 spectators," he said.

3.04PM: Glass House ALP candidate Ryan Moore tweets: "Just heard about a LNP booth worker punching someone at a booth in Woombye. Shame."

2.49PM: LNP candidate for Mackay John Kerslake strongly believes he could win the seat despite a 16.7 per cent margin in favour of Tim Mulherin (ALP). He said "no seat is safe in this election".

2.45PM: Bomb sweep about to begin at Tally Room at Brisbane's Convention Centre.

2.32PM: Bob Katter has left Mount Isa on a flight to Brisbane after what a party spokeswoman says was a good reception by voters. Mr Katter's son Robbie is expected to win the Labor-held seat of Mount Isa. The KAP say the neighbouring seat of Dalrymple also "looks good."

2.31PM: The Labor Party and deputy premier Andrew Fraser have given an undertaking to the Supreme Court that they will cease handing out unauthorised how to vote cards.

The cards had a rainbow, the symbol of the gay movement, and encouraged people to "vote for equality" and support Mr Fraser in his Mt Coot-tha electorate.

media_camera The Supreme Court has ordered Labor to stop handing out this how-to-vote card, earlier being handed out in Paddington

Senator George Brandis confronted Mr Fraser over the cards and then went before Justice Mullins in the Supreme Court to stop them being distributed.

The cards were authorised by an official from the National Union of Workers, but the LNP says they were being handed out by Labor campaign workers without being properly registered in breach of electoral rules.

2.30PM: Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce tweets "The 1 thing I conclude from polling booths is that it is like the Labor party doesn't exist. This is a very dark time of the soul for Labor."

2.28PM: Reports neither Bligh or Newman will go to the Tally Room at the Convention Centre tonight. It's traditionally the venue for concession and victory speeches. Newman and LNP to be holed up at the Hilton in Brisbane.

2.27PM: Campbell Newman campaigning at Enoggera School. His media team report not one ALP person out front handing out how to votes for Kate Jones.

2.22PM: Katter's Australian Party state leader Aidan McLindon says his party is well placed for next year's federal election, regardless of the Queensland poll result.

McLindon, one of two former Liberal National Party MPs to join the Australian Party, said it would be a struggle for him to hold on to his seat of Beaudesert.

Mr McLindon said Saturday's Newspoll, which suggests the party will win nine per cent of the state's primary vote, understated the groundswell of support for the fledgling political movement.

"I might be looking at this through rose-coloured glasses, but going from town to town in the past couple of months, there seems to be a disconnect between the polls and what's actually happening on the ground," he said.

"I think we're in a position where tonight we'll see the Australian Party will probably come second in between 30 and 50 seats.

2.15PM: LNP Clayfield MP Tim Nicholls tweeted a picture he said showed Labor volunteers had given up for the day.

His message - ALP Booth 2.00pm at Clayfield. #thatsallshewrotefolks

PUB TALK: Anna Bligh has been getting lots of re-tweets of this video she posted which shows "Hawkey is still a legend" after the former PM drains a pot of beer on Thursday along with the premier, Kate Jones and Murray Watt.

2.08PM: Andrew Fraser (@AndrewFraserMP) has tweeted that "Qld can't risk an LNP government w 70 seats - there is a change of government so vote for balance, and to stop them having too much power"

2.01PM: Bob Katter's Australian Party is proving to be a tough contender in all three Townsville seats with the ALP expected to struggle to win any of the electorates, according to voters and some candidates.

The ALP has reportedly preferenced Katter's Australian Party (KAP) in at least one electorate the seat of Thuringowa, which is currently held by Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace.

The seat was expected to be a safe Labor stronghold but sources have told The Sunday Mail that the struggling party has been preferencing KAP candidate Steve Todeschini in a bid to dilute the LNP vote.

Todeschini said he had also heard the ALP were preferencing his party but the favour would not be returned.

"We are saying Vote 1 for The Australian Party, that is it," he said.

"The way things are looking we may just blitz Thuringowa.

GALLERY: Take a look at the pictures so far from Queensland's State Election Day 2012.

1.42PM: Former premier Peter Beattie, on Twitter, announces his arrival at Channel 9 studios in the tally room ahead of tonight's coverage.

Earlier he tweeted that "it's going to be a very bad night", presumably for Labor.

Beattie says ALP had no choice but to run a "loser" campaign last week after a tweeter on Twitter said the negativity was affecting volunteers.

TAKE FIVE: News activity has dropped as the state takes a lunch break. Now would be a good time to cast your eye over the campaign as seen through the eyes of our cartoonist, Sean Leahy.

media_camera LNP treasury spokesman Tim Nicholls with daughter Kate, 9, share a hotdog at Hendra. Picture: Annette Dew

NEW VIDEO: Campbell Newmand and Anna Bligh turn out to vote this morning in their electorates.

1.15PM: There are reports that the ALP is preferencing the Australian Party in the seat of Thuringowa to dilute LNP votes in the seat currently held by Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace.

12.57PM: Kevin Rudd tweets about the future @KRuddMP - I've known Andrew Fraser for 20 years. Great talent. Great local member. We need him for the future.

Earlier he was seen supporting Cameron Dick.

media_camera MIXED MESSAGE: Federal Labor Griffith MP Kevin Rudd with State Labor MP Cameron Dick (right) and, rather confusingly, three LNP volunteers.

12.56PM: A distinct lack of Labor volunteers at booths in his electorate has buoyed the LNP Member for Buderim Steve Dickson.

"It's very unusual. I've been doing the rounds and a couple of booths have no Labor supporters at all. Some only have a few handing out cards. They've gone missing this election."

Mr Dickson said an unprecedented number of locals had come up to him to say: "We want the government changed."

12.50PM: Gladstone Independent Liz Cunningham voted early this morning and managed to check out a cake stall or two at her local polling booth in Calliope.

Labor candidate Glenn Butcher reckons Ms Cunningham will be hard to beat, describing her as a "formidable" candidate.

12.45PM: Blue collar voters flatly refusing Labors card and seeking out Katter card, says George Christensen, the Federal Liberal MP for Dawson on Twitter.

12.44PM: NSW Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell says there will be change in Qld like there was in NSW a year ago.

"Well, you don't predict elections until the votes are counted but today I prefer to have a $20 wager on Campbell Newman than Anna Bligh," Mr O'Farrell told reporters outside the NSW Liberal Party State Council meeting.

"I suspect there will be change in Queensland tonight as there was change in NSW a year ago, for much the same reason the government has been there too long, a government that's focused on itself - not the public."

12.42PM: Bob Katter says his fledgling party is now a "huge, powerful machine", with last-minute polling indicating it could win five seats in the Queensland election.

According to a Newspoll published on Saturday, Katter's Australian Party will receive nine per cent of the state's primary vote.

Mr Katter, who was handing out how-to-vote cards with his son and Mount Isa candidate Rob, said he was impressed with the progress his party had made since it was formed less than a year ago.

"About a week ago I realised that we've got a huge, powerful machine out there," he told AAP.

12.40PM: LNP member for Noosa Glen Elmes says Labor's inability to find volunteers to man some booths in his electorate is a sign of the mood for change in Queensland.

VIDEO: Anna Bligh was all smiles as she cast her vote in the Queensland election.

12.35PM: Springwood MP Barbara Stone cast her vote at Shailer Park State High School on what could possibly be her last day as the sitting member.

And she had plenty of hired help handing out how to vote cards with mum Gloria and even former Police Minister Judy Spence dropping by for a stint.

She said she would love to keep her seat but would take a "gap year" if she was defeated.

The LNP candidate John Grant voted an hour earlier at the same booth.

12.32PM: Anna Bligh said she would spend most of today visiting staff at polling booths.

"(Oliver) is still getting up his hours on his L-Plates so driving a round today is a bit of a benefit for him," she said.

"We'll be making some time later as a family to cut a birthday cake.

"Birthdays are special in our family and Election Day or not they won't be put aside."

12.30PM: Labor's sitting member in the marginal seat of Everton, Murray Watt, says he's realistic about the likely outcome of today's election.

"I'm just hoping for a much smaller swing than the state-wide swing," he said. "It's going to be hard."

12.20PM: Channel 7's political reporter Patrick Condren reckons it will be an early night.

He's tweeted that a Labor insider has predicted the party will win less than 10 seats while LNP insiders say they're heading for 55 to 60 seats in the 89 seat parliament.

12.18PM: Heather Beattie seen handing out ALP flyers at Wilston State School but no sign of former premier Peter Beattie.

12.08PM: Katter’s Australian Party State Leader Aidan McLindon voted at Jimboomba State School just after midday. He said it would be a close contest.

"It’s a bit of a mystery bag but whatever happens I would rather lose as an Australian Party candidate than win as an LNP candidate,” he said.

12.05PM: Premier Anna Bligh won’t confirm whether she will lead the Opposition after today’s poll. Ms Bligh said she would not give it any thought until the election result was known.

"What I’ve said from day one is that’s a question for the caucus,’’ she said.

11.58AM: Voters at the Runaway Bay Indoor Sports Centre arrived hot and extremely bothered after chock-a-block traffic and detours made even getting to the polls a hassle.

The incumbent for Broadwater, Peta-Kaye Croft, whose whereabouts were unknown for most of the morning, arrived around 11.15am and was mobbed by supporters and media, and faced a haranguing from one irate voter who went to vote at the nearby community centre only to find his polling place of the last 30 years was hosting a dance competition instead.

11.57AM: Anti-wild rivers supporters were at poll booths in Ashgrove handing out pamphlets from “Cape York locals” and leaflets saying “wild rivers the real story”.

Wearing bright green t-shirts the same colour as the environment party The Greens, the campaigners would not reveal their names nor who they were representing.

Furious Greens supporters said they had been paid by the LNP to mislead voters on the issue.

media_camera ELECTION: Member for Ashgrove Kate Jones at The Gap State School. Picture: Bruce Long

11.56AM: Maroochydore LNP member Fiona Simpson says the LNP could soon make history: “If we are fortunate enough to win, it will be historic, the first LNP government in Australia.”

11.55AM: After initially giving each other a wide berth, Campbell Newman accepted Kate Jones’ handshake after they came face to face at an Ashgrove a polling booth today.

11.54AM: Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters is at Milton State School to show her support for Adam Stone: "I think Adam will be our next member for Mount Coot-tha." The pair joined a long line of voters at the busy polling booth to cast their votes.

11.50AM: They’ve gone all out. Manly residents awoke this morning to the sound of a low flying plane overhead. Trailing behind it was a Vote LNP banner.

11.39AM: The LNP's Scott Emerson on the lack of Labor campaign workers in Indooroopilly: "It's almost like Labor has given up the ghost."

11.30AM: The Cairns Post is reporting that controversial LNP candidate Gavin King has cast his vote. He’s out and about with his family in the far north Queenslnd electorate, trying to make history as the first non-Labor member in Cairns for 100 years.

11:28AM: Labor MP Kerry Shine is on edge in the seat of Toowoomba North, which he holds by just 3.2 per cent. "It's not as positive as it has been for me in the past," he said of the mood at the booths so far.

11.23AM: The man who could be Queensland’s next Health Minister, Mark McArdle, is basking in sunshine and warm support in his Caloundra electorate.

Greeting locals at Beerwah, the sitting LNP member said: “There’s a lot of positive energy at the polling booths today. People are looking for change. We can’t take anything for granted though and have to work very hard if we win this election.’’

11.21AM: Voters have been turning up in their togs to have their say at the woorim polling booth which stands just metres from the beach on bribie island. In what is tipped as one of the most closely fought seats, pumicestone, booth volunteers said voters had been fronting up since before six, disappointed they couldn't vote until 8am.

11.20AM: Former Townsville deputy mayor David Crisafulli casts his vote in the seat of Mundingburra. If he wins his seat he has been tipped for a spot in the LNP ministry.

11.18AM: Kevin Rudd has given his daughter, Jessica Rudd, a pat on the back via Twitter for her support for Labor MP Kate Jones. “Good to see my Jess +1 supporting the cause,” he tweeted, after Ms Rudd posted a picture of herself in a bright pink “Keep Kate” shirt.

11.14AM: Hundreds of confused voters are being turned away from the Runaway Bay Community Centre, with the polling place of 30 years hosting a dancing competition in place of the state election.



While dancers in with the Queensland Branch of the Australian Dancing Society were tangoing, waltzing, sambaing and quickstepping their way through their Autumn Festival, angry voters were being directed to the nearby sports centre by helpful LNP volunteers, who stayed behind to point the way and comment it was “another government stuff up”.

media_camera BALLET, NOT BALLOT: A dance competition is being held in the Runaway Bay Community Centre on election day, despite the centre being a polling place for 30 years.

11.10AM: Cameron Dick casts his vote and says he doesn't expect to win tonight despite holding the seat of Greenslopes with a margin of 6.9 per cent. He says all Labor members had to accept responsibility for Labor's poor polling.

"I think the reality is I'm unlikely to win," he said. "I think all south side members are facing a big challenge, except Premier Anna Bligh."

He declined to comment on whether he would throw his hat in the ring to be the Labor leader if he wins tonight.

11.00AM: Former Logan City Councillor and Springwood LNP candidate John Grant has casted his vote at Shalier Park State School this morning hoping to topple ALP incumbent Barbara Stone.

10.54AM: Albert LNP candidate Mark Boothman stopped by Helensvale State High School this morning to hand out how to vote cards for LNP colleague Michael Crandon.

The 34-year-old has been under recent pressure to be dumped by the party for his alleged involvement in operating a porn web site.

10.53AM: Central Greens candidate Sandra Bayley says there's a noticeable lack of Greens supporters at polling booths as opposed to the two major parties. "When people walk in (to polling booths) there's one of us and 5 or 6 Labor and LNP people there to greet them," she said.

She said the "disturbing thing" is that many people she'd spoken to this morning "don't understand preferential voting", which meant smaller parties like the Greens didn't stand a chance.

media_camera ELECTION: Premier Anna Bligh and her husband Greg and son Oliver vote at West End State School. Picture: Rob Maccoll

media_camera ELECTION: LNP leader Campbell Newman with wife Lisa, chatting to a volunteer at Gap State School.

10.51AM: LNP candidate for Mundingburra David Crisafulli's wife Tegan passes out after helping a bloodied elderly voter who fell at the Mundingburra State School polling booth.

10.50AM: Lady Flo has spoken. She was at Kingaroy casting her vote this morning and ran into Katter candidate and former Queensland cricketer Carl Rackermann. But she voted for the LNP’s Nanango candidate Deb Frecklington. “It’s time for a change, so I voted LNP," declared Lady Flo.

10:42AM: Ian Berry, LNP candidate in Ipswich, is in his first campaign. He's looking to snatch the seat from Labor minister Rachel Nolan. He says cost of living is a big issue for Ipswich voters.

10:41AM: LNP candidate Ian Berry in Ipswich just got chastised by a QEC supervisor for chatting to voters "too close" to the booths.

10.40AM: LNP candidate for Beaudesert Jon Krause voted at Boonah State School and said he was "quietly confident" of beating sitting MP and Katter's Australian Party state leader Aidan McLindon.

media_camera GREENS: Adam Stone and Senator Larissa Waters in Mt Coot-tha.

10.39AM: Campbell Newman slammed Labor attempts at a sympathy vote by begging voters not to give the LNP too much power. Mr Newman, voting at Newmarket State School today with wife Lisa, says it was a desperate last minute trick and political tactic by the ALP to grab votes.

"When Peter Beattie had 66 seats I don't remember them being too concerned about the numbers in Opposition," he said.

10.34AM: Controversy at the Gap State School polling booth as volunteers accuse each other of taking cash for their services. LNP volunteers are being accused by Labor volunteers of being paid to hand out leaflets, which they flatly deny.

10.25AM: Labor MP Craig Wallace has just voted in the seat of Thuringowa, where holds a margin of 8.5 per cent.

10.22AM: Premier Anna Bligh has made an 11th our plea to voters to support her embattled government. Casting her vote at the West End State School this morning, Ms Bligh said it would be a tough day for the Labor Party.



“But I say to all those voters who are still considering their vote, if you care about education, if you care about jobs and services, and if you care about our precious environment, then a Labor vote today is the only way you can secure those,’’ she said.

10:20AM: Ashgrove member vows to keep a smile on her face all day no matter what. Huge media contingent watching Kate Jones' every move at the polling booth.

10.15AM: Anna Bligh’s son Oliver has voted for the first time today – also his 18th birthday. No surprises – he voted for his mum.

10.10AM: Labor booth workers in Stafford have been handing out fake Greens how-to-vote cards, giving preferences to Labor’s Stirling Hinchliffe. The Greens candidate Peter Jeremijenko, who did not give any preference on his how-to-vote card, said it was “underhanded, dishonest and a bit slimy”.

10.04AM: Premier Anna Bligh arrives at West End State School to cast her vote. She says she’ll still be having a party tonight despite a likely loss to the LNP.

10.01AM: LNP leader Campbell Newman arrived at Newmarket State School to vote, with wife Lisa. He said he had enjoyed a good night's sleep. He queued with absentee voters and bought a raffle ticket while getting his picture taken with locals.

10AM: Long-serving Nicklin Independent Peter Wellington believes there are early signs he could lose his seat because of “a clear push for change". He says he faces a tough fight to maintain his usually-safe Sunshine Coast hinterland seat against high-profile LNP candidate and ex-Wallaby coach John Connolly.

9.58AM: The LNP will have to repay the trust of voters, shadow education minister and Moggill MP Bruce Flegg says.

"I'm pretty sure people would like to give us a go. Then the challenge for us will be to show we are up to that trust," Dr Flegg says.

media_camera TOWNSVILLE: A bloodied elderly voter who fell at the Mundingburra State School polling booth.LNP candidate for Mundingburra David Crisafulli's wife Tegan passed out after helping the woman.

9.45AM: An exit poll of 20 voters in Townsville's Mundingburra electorate finds it's neck-and-neck, ALP 6 votes, LNP 6 votes, KAP 6 votes, Family First 1, donkey 1.

9.42AM: Labor Minister Rachel Nolan describes 2012 election campaign as one of the toughest and dirtiest of her political career.

9.40AM: Campbell Newman and Kate Jones arrived at the same polling booth and The Gap State School a short time ago. The pair were just metres apart, but refused to acknowledge each other.

media_camera IPSWICH: Ian Berry, LNP candidate in Ipswich.

9.31AM: Member for Ipswich and senior Labor minister Rachel Nolan offered a how-to-vote card by an LNP volunteer as she walked into the polling booth. "Not really, but thanks," she replied.

9.30AM: Clayfield MP and Treasurer in waiting Tim Nicholls, joined by wife Mary, and daughter Kate casts his vote at St John's Anglican Church at Hendra. He looks comfortable and says he expects Lnp leader Campbell Newman will be a "shoe-in" in the seat of Ashgrove.

9.25AM: #qldvotes is the top trending Twitter topic in Australia, beating out pop sensation Justin Bieber’s appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show. Labor is trending ahead of the LNP and Campbell Newman.

9.20AM: Labor veteran Dean Wells says there’s a noticeable swing against Labor already.

The former minister and Murrumba incumbent said voters had queued up before polls opened, and weren’t making eye contact with the Labor representatives. "There is a swing on against the Labor Party,’’ Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells, who held the seat at the last election with a margin of 7.2 per cent, making it safe Labor, said he expected the swing was happening across the board.



9.18AM: Townsville tornado victims are voting early as the cleanup continues after Tuesday's freak storm.

9.16AM: Mr Rob Cavalluci says he does not expect to win Brisbane Central and is "under no illusions", while opponent Grace Grace says she is hoping to win.

"It's always a difficult thing when there is this mood for a change and I hope that my hard work will stem that and keep me a member for Brisbane Central," she said. "I think that longevity is a cancer that is very hard to cut out in politics."

9.05AM: Former Wallabies coach and now LNP candidate for Nicklin, John “Knuckles" Connolly, says he has had hundreds of messages of support from around the country as he attempts to upset popular Independent Peter Wellington.

Mr Connolly, flanked by rugby great Tim Horan at Bli Bli this morning, needs a swing of more than 16 per cent to topple Mr Wellington in the Sunshine Coast hinterland seat. “I’m feeling some tension, anticipation and excitement. It’s going to be a difficult challenge but you never enter these things if you don’t think you can win,’’ he said.

media_camera SUNSHINE COAST: Max Hoskings plants a kiss on Jenny, Peter Wellington's (Independent Member for Nicklin) wife at Bli Bli State School. Picture: Megan Slade

9.00AM: Coomera MP Michael Crandon joined hundreds of early morning voters at Eagleby South State School to cast his vote this morning. The LNP incumbent was in an upbeat mood despite having a gun shot fired through his Hope Island Rd office a few weeks ago.

8.54AM: Health Minister Geoff Wilson and member for Ferny Grove says he remains positive.

“I am getting such positive feedback from the community it is not reflecting the polls," Mr Wilson said.



Outside Grovely State School he joked with supporters of other parties: “I am going to haunt you lot right around the electorate”.

media_camera NORTH BOOVAL: Rachel Nolan, member for Ipswich and a senior Labor minister, is hoping to sway the undecided voters at Trinity Uniting Church in North Booval this morning. She holds the seat by nearly 17 per cent going into today's poll, but hers will still be a seat to watch.

8.47AM: The first-time candidate favoured to unseat deputy premier Andrew Fraser says the Labor leader will be judged on "his record".

"Very much people are concerned about the selling off of assets, the removal of the fuel subsidy," says the LNP's Saxon Rice, who is in a three way race with Mr Fraser and the Greens' Adam Stone in Mt Coot-tha.

8.38AM: The Greens are warning of dirty tricks after Labor produced green how-to-vote cards in Brisbane's Mt Coot-tha electorate.

"It's within the rules...but it's pretty low because it's giving people the wrong impression," a supporter said from the electorate, where Greens candidate Adam Stone is the party's best chance of securing a seat.

media_camera COLOUR CONFUSION: Labor's green coloured how-to-vote cards distributed in Mt Coot-tha electorate.

8.31AM: Deputy premier Andrew Fraser says he'll accept his share of responsibility for today's Queensland election result.

"I always take responsibility for all decisions I'm involved in," he said from the Milton State School voting booths in his electorate of Mt Coot-tha.

8.30AM: Two polling booths remain closed in the Burnett region north of Brisbane after flooding earlier in the week. The Electoral Commission of Queensland said booths at Baffle Creek and Lowmead were closed. Alternative arrangements will be made for people to cast their votes within the next 34 days.

8.21AM: LNP transport spokesman and likely Newman Government Minister - Scott Emerson, has tweeted that there are no ALP booth workers at his electorate of Indooroopilly.

media_camera BRIBIE: Voters and supporters at a Bribie Island polling location.

8.15AM: LNP candidate Tim Mander for Everton and Dale Shuttleworth for Ferny Grove joined forces with their families to vote at Grovely State School.

It was a family affair for the Manders with Tim’s Wife Gayle and children Mim, 21, Claudette, 24, Danielle 26 and Zac, 22 all voting together while Dale voted with his wife Emily.

media_camera FAMILY VOTING: Tim Mander - CanDo Candidate for Everton - and family (L to R) Mim, Danielle, Zach, wife Gayle and Claudette at Grovely State School. Picture: Nathan Richter

8.11AM: Channel Nine's veteran political reporter Spencer Jolly reports that Labor polling booth workers are copping abuse from voters at polling booths. @SpencerJolly: "Ugly day for them".

media_camera LABOR: Christine Smith ALP candidate for Burleigh

8.10AM: Candidates are facing off metres from each other in a crucial Brisbane seat, Brisbane Central, a seat held by former Premier Peter Beattie.

Labor member Grace Grace and LNP opponent Robert Cavalluci are within two metres of each other pleading for support at busy New Farm State School. No squabbles yet.

media_camera DECISION: Early crowds to vote at Grovely State School. Picture: Nathan Richter

8.09AM: @aidanmclindon: "Beaut day in Beaudesert as gates open for the peoples verdict. Good luck to the AusParty team & supporters. We have fought the good fight."

8.06AM: Dozens lining up early at the Varsity Lakes Community Centre to vote in the seat of Burleigh.

First in line, local resident Brian Budgen, said he had been in line since 7.30am and was planning on voting for the LNP.

"I've voted Labor up to now, but I feel it's the Liberals turn," he said.

LNP candidate Michael Hart is glad-handing Gold Coast locals in a final effort to get him across the line.

He said he plans on shaking "28,000" hands today if he possibly can, and he's already well on the way, despite some punters pointedly ignoring the conservative candidate.

8AM: The polls are open in the 2012 Queensland election.

Final polling suggests Campbell Newman and the LNP heading for an easy victory.

Today’s Newspoll, which mirrors almost all other polls throughout the campaign, shows Labor reduced to around 20 seats.

Newspoll shows the ALP vote has slumped to 28 per cent, with the LNP on track to win at least 55 of the state’s 89 seats.

Anna Bligh has all but conceded defeat, as Labor Party powerbrokers begin to point the finger of blame over a poor campaign.

7.58AM: @MurrayWattMP retweeted by Not Campbell Newman: "An LNP booth worker at the booth I am at once met with me to say the community would be safer if we all had guns. Good times ahead!"

media_camera POLL NO-NO: ALP election sign illegally displayed in a bus zone.

7.30AM: Controversy at a Brisbane northside polling booth when LNP campaign manager for Everton candidate Tim Mander, Michael Leighton, complained about an illegal ALP sign in a bus zone. Michael Leighton reported it to Grovely State School returning officer and asked to remove it. Sign taken down at 8.06am.

6.57AM: @SimonCopland tweeting what we all think: "Am stunned by the amount of material at the polling booth. Have a look." http://pic.twitter.com/fVaviBA3

media_camera DECISION 2012: Queenslanders line up to cast their vote at Banksia State School. Picture: Glenn Barnes

6.30AM: Campbell Newman off to an early start on Twitter: "Vote for Change. Vote for the LNP."

media_camera RUNNING: LNP candidates Dale Shuttleworth and Tim Mander ar Grovely School.

For election results on your smartphone, or as a second-screen on election night, visit our mobile-friendly election site @ couriermail.com.au/mpoll Follow the election on twitter #qldvotes All the stories and analysis as the Queensland Election unfolds Unsure who to vote for? Discover your electorate and candidate with our special map Check your electoral enrolment

Originally published as Election 2012: LNP sweeps to power