Analysis: Steven Miles’ free lunch ploy has been anything but a picnic

Steven Miles saved his proudest announcement as premier for last - now it’s crumbling before his eyes.

Premier Steven Miles’ idea hasn’t gone to plan. Picture: Adam Head

Steven Miles saved his proudest announcement as premier for last - now it’s crumbling before his eyes.

It’s a noble effort to want to ensure all Queensland children have enough food to prosper during a school day.

Seemingly like everything Mr Miles has announced these last 10 months, however, the free school lunches announcement is more about politics than outcomes.

He’s offering a fire hydrant response to an issue that demands a targeted one.

This blanket cost-of-living measure, like the $1000 energy rebate, will go to people who don’t need it.

It is recurrent spending funded by borrowings - like taking out a loan each week to buy fuel or groceries.

The tidal wave of support Mr Miles hoped would give Labor momentum into pre-polling never emerged, but made way for a flood of questions from the front line tuckshop workers and parents simply asking, how will this work?

Economists and even the respected P&C have already come out against the premier’s policy.

While it’s important kids have enough food to foster a quality education, proper economic management is equally critical.

Labor slammed the Greens when it proposed free lunches two years ago and Mr Miles, besides now being premier, can’t explain what’s changed.