Fine-tuning the message: federal Labor looks to Queensland as the electoral canary in the coalmine

Labor strategists say the party's plan to win back the sunshine state is one of the most crucial in years

I'll know my song well before I start singing it," Bob Dylan wrote in 1963.

When it comes to Queensland, federal Labor is still working on its song. But the party is hopeful Anthony Albanese and the party machine at least have a tune.