Car Registration Freeze in Queensland Under Palaszczuk’s Replacement

Mercedes Benz car imports await shipping in the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif., on Jan 11, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The Queensland government will freeze car registration next year to ease cost of living pressure ahead of the state election.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, who is expected to become premier on Friday at a Labor caucus meeting, announced the move in a press conference with running mate Cameron Dick.

This follows Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk resigning from the top job on Sunday after nearly nine years in office.

Revealing the new car registration policy on X, Mr. Miles said, “We’re taking further action on cost of living for Queenslanders by freezing car rego.”

The measure will apply from July 1 2024 for a year, with the cost to taxpayers unclear at this stage.

“A government I lead will focus on delivering the services Queenslanders rely on and helping Queenslanders every single day,” Mr. Miles said.

“We will take real action on cost of living relief and deliver more housing.”

In another cost of living, Mr. Miles revealed on Dec. 13 he will also be making public transport free to again.

“Breaking: We will freeze public transport fares to provide cost of living relief for Queensland families,” Mr. Miles said. 

New Queensland Premier To Become Official Friday

Commenting on the caucus meeting to be held on Friday, Mr. Miles confirmed he has asked Treasurer Cameron Dick to be his deputy.

“I asked Cameron to serve as my deputy and to remain as the treasurer, and that is the agreement that we have. We are a strong team. We’ve worked together for a long time, we share similar values,” Mr. Miles said.

In a factional deal, Mr. Miles received union backing for the top job after late night discussions on Monday evening. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman withdrew from the race when it became clear she would not have the numbers.

Ms. Fentiman said it was clear the majority of Labor parliamentarians would support Mr. Miles to become the next premier and leader of the Labor party, she said on Facebook.

“As a result, I will not be standing as a candidate for the Labor leadership when Caucus meets on Friday. I want to congratulate Steven and offer my support in the work ahead,” she said.

Ms. Palaszczuk announced she would be stepping down at the end of the week on the weekend, describing he rein as premier as the “greatest honour” of her life.

“Queensland is in good shape, which is why now it’s time for me to leave,” she told reporters on Sunday in her final press conference,” she said.

“I’ve given it my all, I’ve run a marathon.”

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said regardless of politics, nine years as premier deserves acknowledgement and respect on Dec. 10.

However, the next day he highlighted the Liberal National party’s priority is maintaining a laser-like focus on the issues that matter to Queenslanders—fixing the “chaos and crisis across the state.”

“Labor’s priority is themselves,” he said.