Analysis: The real reason to why premier made state-owned power retailer pledge in Mackay

There’s only one reason why the Premier stood alongside Mackay candidate to announce Labor would create another publicly-owned regional electricity retailer if elected, writes Hayden Johnson.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles with his wife Kim doing a walk through the Canelands Shopping Centre in Mackay Picture: Adam Head

Proving the scale of the defeat facing Labor, Steven Miles announced a major regional Queensland policy in a seat the party has never lost.

Mackay survived the 2012 wipe-out to the LNP’s Campbell Newman, but might not withstand the tide running to David Crisafulli.

On a map of Queensland, Mackay is as large as a thumbtack – but on a 6.7 per cent margin it holds the hopes of both major parties come October 26.

It’s why Mr Miles stood alongside his Mackay candidate to announce, if re-elected, Labor would create a publicly-owned regional electricity retailer to compete against its existing publicly-owned electricity retailer, Ergon.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles in Mackay on day two of the election campaign. Picture: Adam Head

Labor argues this will save non-city-slickers about $100 per year on their power bill.

In a household’s portfolio of cost of living concerns, power prices sit at the centre.

The state has already splashed $2bn to give people $1000 off their electricity bill and this, Mr Miles hopes, will reaffirm his message about Queenslanders trusting Labor to address cost-of-living.

Labor desperately needs the provincial cities of Mackay, Rockhampton and Maryborough to remain in its column and avoid comparisons to the 2012 annihilation.

So concerned is Labor about Mackay, its sitting member Julieanne Gilbert – retiring this election – didn’t appear alongside the premier at Wednesday’s announcement

Both Labor and the LNP spent the night in Rockhampton – proving regional Queensland has the power.