Annastacia Palaszczuk refuses to endorse Steven Miles as Labor faces a wipe-out

Premier Steven Miles has given his response after footage appeared to capture his predecessor and one-time political ally Annastacia Palaszczuk brutally snubbing him when asked for her endorsement. WATCH THE VIDEO

Smart Energy Councils International Ambassador Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to endorse her successor as Queensland premier, Steven Miles. Picture: David Clark

• Editor’s view: So much for loyalty

Premier Steven Miles has given his response after his predecessor Annastacia Palaszczuk was seen declining to endorse him despite polling putting him on track to lead Labor to an electoral wipe-out in two months.

In a further sign the once close relationship between Ms Palaszczuk and her former deputy has deteriorated, she would not offer her support to Mr Miles when asked by journalists on Tuesday.

Queensland’s 39th premier had just delivered her first major speech since leaving office to the Smart Energy Council Expo as part of her new role as its international ambassador.

After repeatedly refusing to comment on state politics Ms Palaszczuk – who remains well-liked in the Labor Party – was asked if she’d like to offer Mr Miles her endorsement.

“Look, thanks for coming along today, I’ve got to keep going,” she said, before continuing her tour of stallholders.

However, an hour later, Ms Palaszczuk told The Courier-Mail she “of course” endorses Mr Miles.

In December, 2023, Ms Palaszczuk endorsed Mr Miles as her successor when she revealed she would quit as premier, but the pair have had little contact since.

Mr Miles on Wednesday said he was “not at all” disappointed Ms Palaszczuk did not endorse him when first asked.

“Annastacia endorsed me the day she resigned as premier,” he said.

“What she was trying to say yesterday was she didn’t intend to become a political commentator and she was avoiding political commentary.

“The endorsement that matters isn’t Annastacia Palaszczuk’s, it’s the endorsement of Queenslanders.

“I’m seeking a mandate in my own right in October and I’m spending my time every single day talking to Queenslanders, delivering for them.”

Some Labor powerbrokers increasingly believe Ms Palaszczuk’s refusal to step down earlier in favour of Mr Miles has hamstrung his efforts to win over Queenslanders and the state election.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

Ms Palaszczuk on Tuesday also declined to offer a message to disenfranchised Labor voters who might be considering switching to the LNP at the October 26 poll.

“I’m not commenting on state politics, we’ll just leave that,” she said.

“I’m now focusing on my job as the international ambassador for the Smart Energy Council.”

Eight-and-a-half months after leaving office following irresistible internal pressure from unions and Labor Party powerbrokers, Ms Palaszczuk said she was enjoying life.

“I love my job, I love my past job, I love my new job,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk watched on at Brisbane Showgrounds convention centre as the man who replaced her delivered a video message to the expo about his government’s efforts around clean energy and emissions-reduction targets.

Many of the government’s achievements were started during Ms Palaszczuk’s time in office.

Mr Miles did not mention his predecessor in the speech.

Ms Palaszczuk offered polite applause at the end.

The premier, in Cairns, said he had prior commitments and was unable to attend the event.