Maroon Out, Blue In: Crisafulli Rebrands Queensland ‘in LNP blue’
In a move that has prompted confusion among public servants and criticism from political opponents, the Queensland Government has changed the official colour of the state’s coat of arms from maroon to blue—aligning the visual identity more closely with the Liberal National Party’s branding.
The change was quietly implemented this month, with government departments receiving instructions indicating that blue is now the “preferred colour” for the emblem. Public servants were told existing templates featuring maroon could continue to be used until July, when updated blue versions will become the default for new documents and publications.
When asked repeatedly by journalists to disclose the cost of the colour change Premier David Crisafulli, who campaigned on a platform to cut government waste, refused to provide any figures, dismissing the line of questioning as “silly games.” The lack of transparency around the cost has raised eyebrows, especially given the tight fiscal conditions facing the state.
Commentators and critics have questioned the rationale behind the decision, sparking speculation about how much time, effort, and taxpayer money was spent on what appears to be a symbolic change with limited public benefit.
The new blue motif is similar to the LNP’s “Delivering for Queensland” slogan and branding palette, prompting concern over the politicisation of what is typically a bipartisan symbol of state identity.
Labor leader Steven Miles launched a public petition to retain maroon as Queensland’s official colour. In a pointed statement, he emphasised the cultural and historical significance of maroon, especially during State of Origin season—a time when Queenslanders typically rally around the iconic hue.
“Maroon has been Queensland’s official colour since 2003 and part of our state’s identity for much longer,” Miles said. “David Crisafulli is trying to make us all Blues in the middle of Origin season.”
The colour change appears to be part of a broader visual refresh under the LNP’s first-term government. The change comes at a time when the state continues to grapple with major policy challenges, including housing shortages, rising living costs, health system strain, and public safety concerns, prompting some to ask whether the government’s attention should be focused on other issues than taking maroon out of the state’s logo.
