His government will win a second term at the January 31 poll, with a vastly reduced majority, while Mr Newman is fighting a cliffhanger contest for his own seat against a popular Labor opponent.

Emboldened with a massive majority at the previous state election, with almost 80 seats to Labor's phone box size seven, the new government forged ahead with reforms which were at best controversial and at worst draconian.

More than 12,000 public sector jobs were cut and the government announced major asset sales to raise $28 billion and fix the budget. The fire sale has been modified to a long-term lease to appease angry voters.

The government over-enacted anti-bikie laws that were so draconian they lacked common sense and humanity. People wanted tough action on bikies but not this way.

The son of Tasmania's golden Liberal Party duo Kevin and Jocelyn Newman, Campbell Newman made his mark as Brisbane Lord Mayor, and was elected leader of his party even before winning a seat in Parliament. He was once so popular, but now he is the pariah.

Premier Will Hodgman ought to take note. There is a view among old guard Liberals, that the bullish, belligerent style of former Labor premier Eric Reece is the way to rule. The stampede approach.

The government may argue that it does consult, but at the same time must be decisive because people want results.

Yes, people want reform, strong financial management and jobs, but they want it in a democracy with a commonsense approach. They want their government to clearly distinguish between strong leadership and a benevolent dictatorship.

The government should reflect on this.