Cost of living Qld: Submit your questions as leaders go toe-to-toe

Queenslanders will be given their first chance ahead of the October election to dissect how Labor and LNP parties plan to ease the cost of living. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS NOW

Queenslanders will be given their first chance ahead of the October election to dissect how the two major state leaders plan to ease crippling cost of living pressures.

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have both confirmed they will go toe-to-toe in a live discussion hosted by The Courier-Mail next Thursday, March 12.

The clash will specifically focus on policies to address the soaring living costs weighing on household budgets across Queensland to grill the leaders on the crucial issue.

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A recent UComms poll, conducted exclusively for The Courier-Mail, revealed the two major parties were tied 50-50 on a two-party-preferred basis and the political leaders’ handling of cost of living in the next few months will be crucial to deciding who governs the state for the next four years.

In confirming his attendance, Mr Miles told The Courier-Mail the state government will splash more cash on easing pressure on families when the state budget is handed down in June.

The Premier spruiked a range of measures in last year’s budget aimed at household relief, including the $550 electricity bill rebate.

“This year’s budget will be even bigger,” Mr Miles said.

“We’ll be using our progressive coal royalties to fund even more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders because the money made on coal exports should come back to Queenslanders, not line the pockets of mining fat cats.”

Mr Crisafulli said the live discussion will provide an opportunity to grill his rival on the critical issue as well as laying out his plan to ease pressure on Queensland households.

“On Labor’s watch, Queensland is experiencing the biggest cost pressures in the nation on bills like power, water and transport,” he told The Courier-Mail.

“While the Premier will have to defend his record from the last decade, I look forward to sharing my vision for the future, including how we will drive down cost pressures for Queenslanders.

“Queenslanders are now at crisis point with families facing impossible decisions between paying their electricity bills and putting food on the table, all because Labor has failed to take accountability for their role in skyrocketing cost pressures.”

Premier Steven Miles (right) and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli