‘Show me the evidence’: Deputy Premier Steven Miles hits back at LNP’s integrity ‘mud-slinging’

The Deputy Premier has hit out at the LNP for “throwing mud” for political gain over the ongoing integrity scandal dogging the Government.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has hit out at the LNP for “throwing mud” for political gain over the ongoing integrity scandal that is dogging the government.

It comes as he shuts down suggestions he would move to replace Annastacia Palaszczuk as Premier as the integrity scandal continues to plague the Queensland government.

Mr Miles insisted the “appropriate path” for the unravelling saga was already under way, which was for the accusations of interference of public documents for the purpose of political gain be investigated.

“All of the issues that have been raised over the last couple of weeks have either been referred to the appropriate organisation and being investigated or are in the process of being referred,” the Deputy Premier told reporters on Friday.

“If anyone has new evidence or new facts then they too should be forwarded to the appropriate entity.”

Mr Miles called out the Leader of the Opposition for “throwing mud”, suggesting David Crisafulli was taking advantage of the scandal for political gain.

“Just because the Leader of the Opposition stands up everyday and throws mud, does not make it true.

“I saw his press conference yesterday, not a single new piece of evidence, just mud and hyperbole, hysteria and histrionics.”

Despite the CCC being embroiled in controversy and the Premier launching an inquiry into the body, Mr Miles said it remained the best institution to handle complaints.

“The CCC is an independent organisation there everyday to investigate the government,” the Deputy Premier said.

“If anyone has new evidence, they should forward it to them.”

He also rejected the premise Ms Palaszczuk was dodging the media on the same day the terms of reference of the investigation into the state archivist’s claims of interference were scheduled to be released.

He said the Premier had fronted nine of the previous 11 press conferences and insisted she had been forthright in responding to accusations.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josh Woning

Mr Miles stressed the Premier had fronted press conferences in nine of the past 11 days and 20 of the last 34 days.

“The Premier has had press conferences on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,” Mr Miles said.

“She announced Tony Fitzgerald and his review of the CCC (Crime and Corruption Commission).

“She announced the back-to-school plan (and) she visited three brand new schools that our government is opening.

“She fronted the media a lot this week, she chaired the Covid teleconference this morning.

“As you might appreciate, the Premier has a lot of other jobs to do too.”

“The Premier has been very fulsome in responding,” he said, in reference to Ms Palaszczuk’s handling of the ongoing saga.

“There have been claims that have been made, not all of which are true and she has sought to correct the public.

“It’s not unusual for the team to hold press conferences, as well.

“Over the last couple of years, it’s been quite common for that to occur and I don’t think there’s anything unusual.”