Climate, costs, crime and health: Miles details his priorities for Qld

New Queensland Premier Steven Miles has used his first major speech in the job to announce a boost to the state’s climate action plans and detail his priorities in the job.

Fresh from the climate talks in Dubai, and touching on some of his other announcements this week, Miles said the state would legislate a 75 per cent reduction on 2005 levels by 2035, ahead of net-zero by 2050.

Incoming Premier Steven Miles (right) looks on as the Governor, Dr Jeannette Young (left) signs papers during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House Queensland in Brisbane on Friday.Credit: AAP

The state is on track to meet its 30 per cent by 2030 target, one of the least ambitious in the country, by next year. All three will be written into law.

“I’m from the suburbs, but I’ll be a premier that unites the city and the bush, a premier that works for Queenslanders … right now, I want us to unite on the opportunity of decarbonisation,” he said.

“By legislating this target, we will create certainty for industry and for jobs. By legislating this target, we are making a very clear statement to the world that … Queensland is the place to do business if you’re looking to use clean energy to create prosperity.”

Miles used his speech to a room full of government, business, community and Labor figures in Brisbane to release the new ShapingSEQ plan housing needs for the state’s “golden decade of growth”.

He flagged he would seek talks with supermarket giants to explain why farmers have seen prices drop while “Queensland families have not seen those savings”.

Miles also noted the vehicle registration freeze he and now-Deputy Premier Cameron Dick announced on Tuesday. The pair have also announced a freeze on public transport fares in 2024, on top of existing energy bill rebates.

“Right now, youth crime in Queensland is unacceptably high,” Miles said, reiterating plans to look into a Polair helicopter for Townsville but saying tackling the causes was also key.

“This is a problem some would simplify for political advantage. But it’s complex, and requires a comprehensive response,” he said in a veiled jab at the LNP.

“My government will develop local solutions by working with local communities. I will listen to victims of crime, to stop future crime.”

While saying the details of his renewed cabinet would take shape in the coming days, Miles also backed in his brief challenger for the Labor leadership, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.

“If anyone can take on these challenges, it’s her,” he said, before pointing to the government’s record on legalising abortion and euthanasia.

Describing the 2032 Games as another chance to unite people, Miles said they had become divisive.

“I want to fix that,” he said, noting the review of venue projects by a new independent authority announced earlier in the week.

Miles thanked public servants, and teachers – with his own English teacher in the room. Union leaders too.

“I may have been criticised for listening to the unions that represent Queensland workers,” he said. “The fact is, as a minister I have always listened to all voices.”

This would not change, he said, with a new Queensland Leaders Forum to be set up bringing business, industry, community and unions to “work together for Queensland’s future”.

“That’s what we did during the COVID response. It worked well, so I’m bringing it back.”

Touching on his own upbringing and entry to Labor politics, Miles thanked his wife Kim and children Aidan, Bridie and Sam, promising to still attend some of their soccer and cricket matches and hoping to make them proud.

“And I hope I can leave Queensland an even better place.”

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