Anthony Albanese rates Steven Miles first weeks as Queensland Premier

The Prime Minister has given his verdict on Steven Miles after his first weeks as Queensland Premier following Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation.

Premier Steven Miles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Brisbane today. Picture: Tertius Pickard

• Inside story: How a Premier was made

Steven Miles was “ready to be Premier” Anthony Albanese has declared as the Prime Minister praised his “friend” for how he had taken on his new role as Queensland leader.

Mr Albanese was with the Premier in his own electorate on Wednesday at one of the federal government’s urgent care clinics, marking 40 years since the introduction of Medicare.

Asked how Mr Miles was performing about six weeks since ascending to the top job following the sudden resignation of Annastacia Palaszczuk after almost a decade, Mr Albanese was full of praise.

“He’s had a cracking start to his premiership,” he said.

Anthony Albanese and Steven Miles speak to Luke Vervoorn, who was injured rescuing a cow during the floods, during a visit to the Murrumba Downs Medical and Dental Centre. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“I’ve known Steven for a long time. I launched his first campaign when he was a candidate here, so I regard him as a friend – so I declare that as an interest.

“The experience that Steven has, as a former Health Minister, along with other portfolios he has held – I think he was ready to be Premier.”

The duo travelled together to Rockhampton and Townsville on Tuesday, with Mr Albanese saying the Premier had shown strong leadership in tackling a recent spate of serious weather events.

“I think he has shown leadership through the tough times which Queenslanders have gone through, whether that be in the tropical north, or whether it be in southeast Queensland, including down to the Gold Coast,” he said.

“He is someone who will get things done. He is someone who cares about people.

“He’s compassionate, and he’s determined to make a difference to Queenslanders and improve lives.”