New Premier Steven Miles pledges to dramatically lift Queensland’s emission reduction targets

In a clear salvo to the threat of the Greens, new Premier Steven Miles has made a climate pledge the centrepiece of his first speech in the top job.

Premier Steven Miles has declared he will dramatically lift Queensland’s emission reduction targets – making the climate pledge the centrepiece announcement of his first speech in the top job.

Mr Miles – who on Friday described the union powerbroker who secured him the top job as a “mentor” – promised a renewed government.

The climate announcement – a world away from the cost-of-living pressures and youth crime concerns that have dogged the government in the opinion polls – was a clear salvo to the threat of the Greens who are circling Labor in inner Brisbane seats.

Under the plan, Queensland will set in law a new emissions reductions target of 75 per cent by 2035 – significantly higher than its existing target of 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

It was a move the Greens agitated for in state parliament earlier this year.

Newly elected Premier Steven Miles during his first press conference in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

In the speech, Mr Miles positioned himself as a “suburban dad” who understood the day-to-day concerns of Queenslanders, including those in the regions.

“I’m from the suburbs. But I will be a Premier that unites the city and bush,” he said.

“A Premier that works for Queenslanders whether you live in our regions, our suburbs or the inner city.”

The speech also touched on commitments to build more satellite hospitals and take on price-gouging supermarkets, but it was the climate commitment that Mr Miles spent the most time on.

He noted that Queensland had lagged behind other states in setting more ambitious targets.

But the state is on track to exceed its 2030 target, according to the government, with emission reductions at 29 per cent compared to 2005 levels.

Legislation introduced in the new year will establish an “expert panel” to set a “credible pathway to net zero”, five yearly targets until 2050, alongside annual progress reports.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles makes his first speech speak after being sworn in on Friday. Picture: David Clark

It’s understood Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan – with the goal of sourcing 70 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2032 – will get the state most of the way toward achieving its emissions target.

“It is a substantial target. We have modelling that says we’ll get there,” he said.

“We have modelling that says the existing policy settings get us most of the way, then there’s a role for us over that time – 13 years’ time – to adopt new technology, find new ways and of course the Australian government has a role to play too.

“By legislating this target, we will create certainty for industry and for jobs … 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.”

Stakeholders, including mining billionaire and hydrogen enthusiast Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, heralded the move toward the state’s “green energy future” and praised Mr Miles for taking a “strong step forward”.

Steven Miles (left) being born in as Premier of Queensland with Cameron Dick (right) as Deputy, by Governor Jeannette Young (centre) nd at Government House in Bardon. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Later in the speech, Mr Miles described youth crime in Queensland as “unacceptably high” and promised to “do everything we can” to work with the federal government, councils and developers to deliver more homes.

“I will deliver a renewed and fresh approach to the challenges we face, and the opportunities we have,” Mr Miles said.

“Strong Labor governments give people the chance to create something better for their families.

“And this commitment to give back to hardworking Queenslanders, to create opportunities for our children, will be central to my government.”

This “renewed and fresh approach” involved shedding three frontbenchers – including Cairns-based Craig ­Crawford – to instigate the largest shake-up of cabinet since Labor was first elected in 2015.

Mr Miles said this renewal proved he was committed to leading a changed government.

United Workers Union boss Gary Bullock.

Mr Miles, when asked if he would be a “puppet” for United Workers Union boss Gary Bullock, would only say he counted Mr Bullock as a “mentor”.

“I’m proud to be a member of two trade unions,” he said.

“Those trade unions represent tens of thousands of Queenslanders, but what I’ve always done in all of my portfolios is listened to everybody.”

The ascension of five new ministers is a major shake-up to Labor’s frontbench.

Those dumped from the frontbench include Craig Crawford and Mark Bailey, while Stirling Hinchliffe had already announced his retirement in October.

Those set to be promoted are Charis Mullen, Bart Mellish, Michael Healy, Lance McCallum and Nikki Boyd.

There will be one extra spot around the cabinet table, bringing the number of ministers to 19.

Discussions will occur over the weekend to determine who will take which portfolios.