As Queensland’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk steps down, Deputy Premier Steven Miles emerges as her likely successor, avoiding a contested leadership scenario. Miles, part of the left faction, and Treasurer Cameron Dick, from the right, reach a compromise, positioning Miles as the new premier and Dick as his deputy, pending formal confirmation by the party caucus on Friday.
Who is Steven Miles, and what can Queensland expect from him as the potential premier leading up to the 2024 election?
Union Background and Academic Pursuits: Miles aligns with broader trends in Queensland Labor, boasting a unique blend of political involvement and academic achievement. With a completed Ph.D. focusing on understanding union motivation through workplace activism, he has a background as a consultant, state director of a public sector union, and a political advisor.
Political Journey and Constituency Shift: Having entered politics in 2015 by winning the seat of Mt-Cootha, Miles later moved to the outer-metropolitan Murrumba after boundary redistribution. His trajectory reflects Queensland Labor’s changing demographic base, driven outward by rising house prices.
Known Ministerial Roles: Miles, supported by the United Workers Union, has held various ministerial portfolios, including state development, environment, and health minister during the initial stages of the COVID pandemic. Recognizable from his frequent press conferences, he brings both visibility and a reputation as a party “attack dog.”
Policy Advocacy and Progressive Causes: An advocate for progressive causes, Miles has been vocal on environmental issues and equitable access to education. His reputation as a party attack dog is evident in his public confrontations, such as those involving former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Leadership Priorities: In declaring his candidacy for premier, Miles emphasizes addressing critical issues such as improving the public health system, affordable housing, and cost-of-living challenges. As Queensland heads toward a low-emission economy, Miles faces the task of balancing environmental concerns with the interests of the powerful mining lobby.
Challenges and Election Dynamics: Miles will need to navigate challenges, defending the Labor government’s record on essential issues while presenting himself as a fresh leader attuned to public concerns. With the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, infrastructure development will be a focal point.
Key Election Dynamics: The upcoming election in October 2024 will likely revolve around basic concerns, including economic management and public service delivery under strain. Miles must manage the tension between established policies and the need for a fresh perspective.
As he faces challenges from both the Greens in inner Brisbane and concerns over cost-of-living pressures in growth areas, Miles’ leadership will be scrutinized during his first test – addressing the impact of a cyclone in the state’s north. The election in 2024 will ultimately determine the success of Miles’ leadership and the resilience of the Queensland Labor government.
