Queensland Premier Steven Miles has admitted it is very likely that he will be swept out of power at the next election in October 2024.
The admission comes just a week after the parliament passed legislation committing Queensland to achieving 75 percent renewable energy by 2035.
The Labor leader, who took over the top job from Annastacia Palaszczuk in December 2023, hails from the party’s left faction.
In response to questioning about a YouGov poll showing Labor trailing 44 to 56 against the Liberal National Party (LNP) in the polls, Mr. Miles conceded it is “likely, very likely” he will lose the top job.
Despite the polling coming soon after the mammoth emissions reduction target was signed into law, Mr. Miles said the Opposition leader will need to show how he will be meeting emission targets.
“David Crisafulli’s strong support for our emissions reductions target is welcome but he opposed the plan to meet that target,” Mr. Miles said.
Private Jet Criticism and Climate Emissions Legislation
The Queensland Premier has come under fire recently for hailing two private jets to travel to the same destination with his Police Minister Mark Ryan and staff. The jets cost about $6,500 (US$4,240) per hour.This occurred amidst the Miles Labor government’s passing of significant climate legislation, including a 75 percent cut to emissions by 2035 in mid-April.
During a parliamentary debate on Labor’s Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024, Mr. Crisafulli left it to his shadow ministers to speak on Labor’s emission reduction targets.
While the Liberal National Party supported the 75 percent emissions reduction target, they opposed legislating the method of getting there.
“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 said.
“The bill neglects to consider the extraordinary costs of the infrastructure proposed and its impact on taxpayers.”
“We will build the renewable energy generation and transmission assets needed to power big industries in Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville, and Mt Isa.”
Federal colleagues including member for Hinkler Keith Pitt however, were dismayed with the Liberal National Party’s support for a 75 percent emissions reduction target.
“I would be surprised if there were not motions put (at the LNP state convention later this year).”