QLD Premier Steven Miles apologises in question time for text scandal

The Queensland parliament descended into shouting as politicians reacted to the Premier’s apology following a text scandal.

The Queensland Premier has apologised for denying sending a text message to a colleague while in parliament.

In a statement read during question time on Tuesday, Mr Miles said he misunderstood a question asking whether he had sent a text to Labor MP Ali King in October 2023 when he was deputy premier.

Mr Miles’ backflip followed his denial when he was asked on the first sitting day of parliament on February 14 to confirm “he did not send an SMS” to Ms King between 10am and 11.30 on October 11.

“I thank the member for Burleigh. I can,” the Premier responded.

However, Nine News on Monday aired a screenshot of a text purportedly from Mr Miles to Ms King,

Mr Miles said he had not recalled the text and thought the question related to a Right To Information request.

“I wish to update the House that I, as the member for Murrumba, did text the member for Pumicestone” he told the House.

“I therefore wish to correct the record and apologise to the House for the error.”

But the opposition erupted at the apology.

“I don’t accept the apology from the Premier and the people of Queensland don’t accept the apology,” LNP MP Michael Hart, who had asked the initial question, said.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said he misunderstood the question. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“You’re a flea,” Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders yelled back.

“I find that completely disorderly,” Speaker Curtis Pitt interjected. “It is completely flouting the rules around what should be seen as a matter of privilege.”

Mr Pitt ordered Mr Hart to leave the chamber for one hour over the conduct.

Ms King had been under pressure for asking constituents to apply for jobs for a new satellite hospital to her electorate email last October when Mr Miles, then Deputy, texted her.

The screenshot shows he suggested Ms King stand up in parliament to apologise for the “error of judgment”, which she appeared to do.

Mr Miles said on Monday night that he thought Mr Hart’s question was related to RTI requirements.

“I answered, as I always do, to the best of my recollection,” he said.

“If my recollection was incorrect, then I will correct the record and apologise at the earliest opportunity, as is the appropriate parliamentary process.”

The incident occurred before Mr Miles succeeded Annastacia Palaszczuk as Premier in December.