Steven Miles vows to fight Qld election on bold ideas

Premier Steven Miles has vowed to fight the election on bold ideas, framing himself as unashamedly ambitious in a direct challenge to Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Premier Steven Miles has vowed to fight the election on bold ideas, framing himself as unashamedly ambitious in a direct challenge to Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.

Mr Miles has promised to use the next 80-odd days to the election to lay out his vision for Queensland, particularly across transport, health, energy and a lifestyle that keeps us the envy of the world.

And in a direct challenge to Mr Crisafulli, he has promised not to shy away from a fight based on a big vision.

“I can guarantee you two things; nobody will ever call me a small target, and I’m not about to die wondering,” he said.

Mr Miles used his first annual agenda-setting State of the State speech to outline his election strategy, unveiling a transport-focused cost-of-living package of promises that includes the state owning a dozen service stations.

The promised extraordinary intervention coincides with the start of a $150m six-month trial to cut public transport fares to 50c across the state, and a $2.5bn program giving every household $1000 off their energy bills.

“In October Queenslanders will have a choice,” Mr Miles said.

“A choice between my clear and detailed vision for Queensland and an opposition who are unknown and are determined to stay that way.

“I am seeking a mandate for the vision I have for the future of Queensland.

“Mandates are important. If governments are going to maintain the faith of the community we need to outline our plans for the future rather than asking people to trust us with little or no information on what we will do if elected.”

Multiple polls, including the Courier-Mail’s YouGov poll, are predicting a decisive swing against Labor in October which would sweep the LNP into government.

The Crisafulli-led LNP has spent the last few years chipping away at the government’s record on failures in the health system, community safety, cost-of-living, and housing.

Mr Crisafulli and his team have also sought to paint the Labor government as erratic, telling Queenslanders calm and stable or calm and methodical leadership was needed.

The Opposition has in recent months outlined several key election pitches, including a promise to toughen sentencing for young criminals so those guilty of serious crimes serve adult prison sentences.

The state government’s marquee Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro plan would also be axed for smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects.

The LNP has also promised a housing plan that includes abolishing stamp duty for Queenslanders building their first home, government-equity to buy a home, and delivering one million homes by 2044.