Steven Miles has been unanimously elected as the Sunshine State’s 40th premier following the sudden resignation now former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. The announcement follows a Labor’s caucus vote where Mr. Miles was elected unopposed to lead the party. Mr. Miles was sworn in by Queensland Governor Jeanette Young at Government House after 1 p.m. on Dec. 15. Cameron Dick, his deputy, was also elected unopposed. The duo have become the Labor Party’s first all-male leadership since 2005.
Speaking outside the caucus meeting just before being sworn in, Mr. Miles said there would be five new ministers under his government. Nikki Boyd, Bart Mellish, Michael Healy, Lance McCallum, and Charis Mullen will all be given frontbench positions. Their portfolios have not been confirmed. Ali King, Shane King, James Sullivan, Jennifer Howard, and Corrine McMillan will be made assistant ministers. “I asked the caucus to provide us with fresh faces, with a new team. I am pleased to say there will be five new ministers in the first Miles government,” Mr. Miles said. “They are younger, they are energetic, they are ready to deliver a fresh approach for Queenslanders.” Mark Bailey, Stirling Hinchliffe. and Craig Crawford have lost their ministerial portfolios.
Mr. Miles is aiming to cut emissions by 75 percent by 2035, lifting the state’s current target of reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2050. He stated that this change will create certainty for industry and for jobs by legislating the target, thus sending a clear message that Queensland is the place to do business if one is looking to use clean energy to create prosperity.
In addition, Mr. Miles has already confirmed an independent authority will be established to review 2032 Brisbane Olympic infrastructure plans. He said that Queenslanders now have “a government that is on their side.” The new Miles government will develop a new consultative body called the “Queensland Leaders’ Forum” that is set to bring industry, business, the community, and unions together, and Mr. Miles has pledged to listen to everyone in his approach.
Ms. Palaszczuk, Australia’s longest-serving sitting premier, has officially tendered her resignation, which will take effect at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and thanked her entire party and the Labor movement. Speaking of her 12 years in office, she likened it to running a marathon. Mr. Miles has 316 days in office before the next state election against Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.