Actions speak louder than words: Deputy Premier Steven Miles one-man roadshow a deliberate message

Deputy Premier Steven Miles’ decision amid leadership speculation to embark on a one-man roadshow across the state must be taken as a deliberate message.

Actions always speak louder than words.

And in the case of Deputy Premier Steven Miles, his decision amid a furore of leadership speculation and backbench rumblings to embark on a one-man roadshow across the state must be taken as a deliberate message.

On one hand, the Premier’s loyal deputy has said all the right things.

Ms Palaszczuk is the “very best” person for the job. She is the “best chance” for the Labor Party to retain power.

And, that he is perfectly happy playing deputy.

Acting Queensland Premier Steven Miles announces funding to deliver koala threat management initiatives, on National Threatened Species Day at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

But any political observer would note Miles’ message has been clear over the past two weeks – not just to the Queensland voters, but to those in his party who have doubted he has the electability needed to be the next person for the top job.

The obvious attempt to overhaul his “attack dog” persona has been a good year in the making.

Now, we have entered the positioning of Miles as a genuine future leader phase.

The Deputy Premier would admit his two weeks had not gone as exactly planned.

While leadership questions are the norm while the captain is away, the ill-timed European holiday of the Premier taken after one of the most bruising political weeks for the government in recent memory escalated the tension.

But his willingness to take on the relentless questions with that trademark grin, continue to front the press pack and make important political decisions have been recognised with the Party.

His announcement the government would heed the advice of the Voice for Victims group- who the Premier had controversially refused to meet with – and establish an independent ministerial advisory committee was a turning point.

Acting Premier Stephen Miles announces that the new Neville Bonner bridge will be open to selected members of the public as a preview, in Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Miles has broadly steered the government away from disastrous parliament week, and avoided what could have been a nightmare fortnight.

But under Labor’s ubertight leadership rules and with Ms Palaszczuk back on deck from this weekend, whether he ever gets a chance to go a step further is – for now – out of his hands.