Steven Miles readies for Queensland Premier’s return

Acting Premier Steven Miles says he’s looking forward to Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk returning to work on Monday following her Italian holiday.

Acting Premier Steven Miles says he’s looking forward to Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk returning to work on Monday after her second overseas jaunt this year.

Mr Miles has been forced to defend the premier’s absence after she left on the holiday with partner Dr Reza Adib last month amid intense speculation over her leadership and crises including youth crime.

She jetted out quietly after a horror week when her government was pilloried for ramming through controversial laws allowing the detention of children in watch-houses.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles with Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon on the Gold Coast on Friday. Picture: Annette Dew

Some Labor MPs have voiced serious concerns about the government’s chances of being re-elected with Ms Palaszczuk at the helm and Mr Miles has been touted as the most likely successor should she decide to step down.

Speaking on the Gold Coast on Friday, Mr Miles - who this week chaired the first Cabinet meeting in six years without Ms Palaszczuk present - said he was looking forward to her return.

“It’ll be great to see her back and great to get back to work,” he said.

“I hope that she’s managed to have a good break despite all of the attention here and there from the media.

“We’ve got a very big 12 months ahead of us and I can’t wait to get back to work with her.”

Mr Miles was asked if it had been a good “dry run” for political life without Ms Palaszcuk.

“I know some of the commentary has suggested this is novel but I’ve acted as premier many, many times (including) two weeks at the start of the year,” he said.

“We’ve got a great team, we have lots of people doing very good jobs in their portfolios and it’s always a pleasure to work with them.

“I’ve sought to do my best in the two weeks as acting premier to serve Queenslanders, just as I do every day as the minister for state development, local government, planning, infrastructure and (minister) assisting the premier with Olympics and Paralympics infrastructure.”

Mr Miles has insisted MPs are united behind Ms Palaszczuk as “the best leader for Queensland”.

Ms Palaszczuk told reporters in Naples - where Dr Adib, an obesity surgeon was speaking at a conference - that she had “health issues” and was having a holiday.

Her 37 days’ leave this year means she has spent more time on holidays than in state parliament.