Premier of Queensland’s Labor Left Expects to Be Swept Out of Power

Premier of Queensland’s Labor Left Anticipates Losing Power

April 26, 2024 TruthUSA

The premier recently faced criticism for booking two private jets to attend an announcement shortly after passing a law to slash climate emissions by 75 percent.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has acknowledged the likelihood of losing power in the upcoming October 2024 election.

This admission follows the parliament’s approval of legislation committing Queensland to achieving 75 percent renewable energy by 2035.

Hailing from the left faction of the Labor party, Mr. Miles took over the leadership from Annastacia Palaszczuk in December 2023.

In response to polling showing Labor trailing 44 to 56 against the Liberal National Party (LNP), Mr. Miles admitted the high probability of losing the top position.

“The most likely outcome in October is that David Crisafulli will be the new premier,” as cited by the Courier Mail.

Despite the poll results coming shortly after the implementation of the extensive emissions reduction target law, Mr. Miles emphasized the need for the Opposition leader to present plans for meeting emission targets.

Private Jet Criticism and Climate Emissions Legislation

The Queensland Premier faced backlash for using two private jets to travel to the same destination with his Police Minister Mark Ryan and staff. Each jet cost approximately $6,500 (US$4,240) per hour.

This incident coincided with the enactment of the Miles Labor government’s significant climate legislation, which included a 75 percent cut in emissions by 2035 in mid-April.

During a parliamentary debate on Labor’s Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024, Mr. Crisafulli delegated speaking on Labor’s emission reduction targets to his shadow ministers.

Although the Liberal National Party supported the 75 percent emissions reduction target, they were against legislating the specific method to achieve it.

Shadow Energy Minister Deb Frecklington expressed concerns about Labor’s plan impacting the energy bills of Queenslanders during a speech on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 in parliament on April 17 (pdf).

“The Liberal National Party supports the targets, but we cannot support to legislate them when there is no credible pathway to achieve them,” Ms. Frecklington remarked.

“The bill neglects to consider the extraordinary costs of the infrastructure proposed and its impact on taxpayers.”

Celebrating the passage of the legislation, Mr. Miles stated, ‘“Our vision for Queenslanders is to produce cheap, clean, reliable, renewable energy for them, their families and their businesses. Now, we get on with the job of delivering.”

“We will build the renewable energy generation and transmission assets needed to power big industries in Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville, and Mt Isa.”

However, federal colleagues including member for Hinkler Keith Pitt expressed dissatisfaction with the Liberal National Party’s backing of a 75 percent emissions reduction target.

“I have spoken to a number of members who said they would have a hard time voting for someone who would support this policy,” Mr. Pitt mentioned in The Australian.

“I would be surprised if there were not motions put (at the LNP state convention later this year).”

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