Qld politicians ready to let loose

Queensland's governor has finally gone home and the state's politicians are ready to let loose.

After two days of politeness and formality Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will start the first big parliamentary debate when she moves a confidence motion in her government on Thursday.

Each member of the 89-seat Legislative Assembly will be afforded 20 minutes to have their say.

The opposition will test their own strength, but Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg expects to cop a beating over his time as health minister from the premier.

"She's already filling up the mud buckets, so they're going to come out later this week," he said.

"I've been around a long time, I've copped a lot, the mud buckets will come out, but I really will put our administration against theirs any day."

Earlier Governor Paul de Jersey officially opened the 55th parliament on behalf of the Queen.

In one the stranger traditions of parliament, Governor de Jersey then read a speech written by the premier outlining the government's agenda.

Ms Palaszczuk promised an extensive legislative program and said every member would have a part to play.

"This is a Legislative Assembly, which reminds us all that your most important task is the making or amending of the laws of our state," Governor de Jersey said.

"In this parliament, (the) government will embark on an extensive legislative program."

During the speech new Speaker Peter Wellington couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

But Clerk of Parliament Neil Laurie, who's been through it all five times, almost appeared to nod off at one point.

Some people criticised the past two days of ceremony as a waste of time and money.

But opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said it was important to mark the occasion and showcase of our political stability.

"We've gone through the entire process - we haven't seen riots in the streets, we haven't seen people out there in fist fights or complaining and those kind of things," he said.

The parliamentary chamber has been jovial and friendly up until Wednesday, but on Thursday the knives will be out and all those prawn sandwiches, handshakes and bands will seem far away.