Analysis: Steven Miles and David Crisafulli ditch suit jackets to connect with everyday battlers

It was only minor, but this one key detail shows how determined Steven Miles and David Crisafulli were to connect with 12 Queensland battlers. WATCH THE REPLAY

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli ticked the easy box by showing up and listening to Queenslanders – but the real test will be whether they follow through.

Sitting at the desk, both leaders appeared compassionate and genuine – giving an honest answer by revealing high wages meant cost of living hadn’t stressed their households.

They appeared relaxed, ditching the suit jackets – and in the premier’s case the tie – in an effort to better connect with the 12 battlers in the audience and thousands of viewers watching from home.

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli face off over the cost of living crisis. Picture: David Clark

Audience members were heard and their struggles acknowledged, but it’s critical for Mr Miles to follow his compassion with real action.

He’s promised June’s budget will contain the biggest cost of living package ever delivered.

This must be more than the natural indexation of existing concessions.

The premier missed an opportunity to commit to extending the government’s popular $550 cost of living energy rebate in the budget, but you could bet your social home it will be in there.

Queenslanders are on the brink – they’re struggling now and to date, the government has saved about $1.70 per week through public transport and registration increase freezes.

Both leaders ditched their suit jackets – and the premier his tie – in an attempt to connect with those in the audience. Picture: David Clark

Mr Miles was eager to remind Queenslander’s he’s only been premier for three months.

Sympathy might be lacking in the tents and parked cars popping up across the state.

Rodney is one of those facing a future in his car.

The premier did promise to help Rodney – issuing the staggering pledge to pay for a hotel room if he finds nowhere else to go.

The problem now is, there are thousands of Rodneys across Queensland.

It’s a similar case for Meals on Wheels, which rightly asked the leaders how they could survive while costs soar 30 per cent higher with no ability to raise prices on customers.

Voters are demanding action on cost of living from Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. Picture: David Clark

Those elderly customers – and an increasing number of younger ones – are already cutting their meals into halves or thirds to save food.

While both men pledged to hear the charity’s concern, support must be extended across the whole sector.

Mr Crisafulli performed well, but like Mr Miles was unable to provide immediate detail and certainty to some questions.

His rooftop solar saver scheme is a good move, but the LNP’s policy cupboard remains bare seven months out from an election.

Expect it to be filling soon.

Of course it’s easier for Mr Crisafulli to declare the government needs to do better and the only real test will be whether he can drag the opposition to an underdog victory in October.

With cost of living the number one issue, voters have spoken directly to leaders and now demand action.