Labor elects Steven Miles as Queensland’s 40th premier, promises cabinet shake-up as new leader

Steven Miles has officially been elected as the 40th premier of Queensland - and he is already focused on his first job.

Newly elected Queensland premier Steven Miles has used his first few hours in the top job to promise to reduce the sunshine state’s emissions by 75 per cent by 2035.

Mr Miles was elected unopposed as the 40th Queensland premier on Friday, days after Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock resignation.

The new premier was sworn in by Queensland Governor Jeannette Young at Government House just after 1pm on Friday.

His ascension came after gaining unanimous approval from the Labor caucus during their meeting at 10am on Friday.

Newly elected Premier Steven Miles and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick with Governor Jeannette Young at Government House after the pair were officially sworn in. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Miles managed to secure enough support from union members during a late-night deal on Monday, guaranteeing him the top job.

“Today I have been sworn in as premier of Queensland and today I start delivering as premier,” Mr Miles said on Friday after he was sworn in.

“I will honour the trust my colleagues from right across Queensland have placed in me today and I promise to work day and night to earn the trust of Queenslanders.

“I will bring a fresh approach to the challenge.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick was also elected deputy premier role by the Labor caucus.

The ballot for the leadership came after Ms Palaszczuk formally resigned from her role after nine years as premier.

Mr Miles is sworn in by Dr Young. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Miles is Queensland’s 40th premier. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

He was elected after a special caucus meeting at parliament in Brisbane on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Miles said he wanted to lift Queensland’s ambition on climate action by cutting emissions with a focus on creating jobs and improving the state’s economy.

“I want us to unite on the opportunity of decarbonisation,” he said.

“Our trading partners, particularly in Europe, North America and much of Asia, are demanding the places they trade with act responsibly.

“The things we make in our regions and sell to the world must be made with an eye to how the world wants them.

“That is why responsible emissions targets are essential to jobs in our existing industries like mining, agriculture and manufacturing stop and it is the key to creating more jobs in the new industries of the future, like hydrogen, critical minerals and sustainable aircraft fuel.”

Premier Steven Miles says the state will commit to reducing emissions by 75 per cent by 2035. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Climate Council’s head of advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner, welcomed the target set by the new premier even if it doesn’t reach the desired target of at least 90 per cent set by leading Queensland environment groups.

“Queensland is stepping up its game to cut carbon pollution under new Premier Steven Miles,” Dr Rayner said.

“This is another welcome sign that Australia’s states are building on the momentum that’s well underway to cut harmful carbon pollution.

“This is the kind of race to the top on climate action we need.

“Queensland has so many opportunities to seize the benefits of renewable energy and clean industry, and we look forward to seeing how the Miles Government will back this target in with new policy that builds on the Energy and Jobs Plan.

“With Australia’s three biggest states (NSW, Victoria and Queensland) now all having emissions reduction targets between 70 and 80 per cent, this sets a clear bar for the Federal Government in stepping up action this decade and setting our next national target in the new year.”

Premier Steven Miles was supported by his wife, Kim, and children Sam, Aidan and Bridie when he was elected on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Miles said he would also be introducing a Queensland leaders forum, similar to the one seen during the Covid period.

He said the forum would bring together business, industry, community and unions in the one room to work together for Queensland’s future.

“That is what we did during the Covid response” Mr Miles said.

“ It worked well. I am bringing it back.”

Shortly after the pair were unanimously endorsed by caucus, Mr Dick said it was a “very great honour to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as the 36th deputy premier of Queensland”.

Mr Miles and Mr Dick will now lead Queensland in the lead-up to the 2024 state election. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“It will be a great honour to work with Steven Miles as the next premier of Queensland. Steven and I share the same beliefs about how cabinet and government should work in this state,” he wrote on social media.

“We have a great opportunity to build on the record of our Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has been such a great servant for the people of Queensland.

“As deputy premier I will work every day with our new premier to deliver on our commitments to the people of Queensland and to protect Queenslanders from the threats posed by David Crisafulli and the LNP.”

Mr Dick and Mr Miles head to Government House to be officially sworn in. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The Labor caucus supported Mr Miles. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman had also put her hand up to run for the position before conceding defeat less than 12 hours after her announcement.

Ms Fentiman said she would support her “longstanding friend” in the leadership position after it became clear the majority of MPs would vote for Mr Miles.

Mr Miles’ new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

That support was seen as she walked side-by-side with Mr Miles as they headed to the caucus room on Friday morning.

After being sworn in, Mr Miles is expected to outline his vision for the state on Friday afternoon.

The new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, with a shake-up in portfolios expected.

Mr Miles announced on Friday he intended to add five new ministers to replace the four that have resigned or stood aside.

Mr Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman put on a united front. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced he was quitting the role on Wednesday.

Sport and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who won’t be contesting his seat at the next election, is also expected to leave his portfolio.

Child Safety Minister Craig Crawford will also be returning to the backbench.

Mark Bailey won’t keep his Transport and Main Roads portfolio. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Ms Palaszczuk’s shock resignation on Sunday followed a lengthy career in politics, having been elected to the seat of Inala in 2006.

“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to community service; there’s no greater honour.”

The 39th Premier was voted in after beating the LNP’s Campbell Newman in 2015.

Outgoing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she was leaving politics. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“Next year would have been nine years and look, a week in politics is a long time but can I tell you nine years feels like an eternity,” she said on Sunday.

“I still have the support of the entire party and the Labor movement and I just want to thank them, it’s been a great honour to be the leader of this party.”

Ms Palaszczuk did not attend Friday’s caucus meeting, according to The Courier Mail.

More to come

Originally published as Labor elects Steven Miles as Queensland’s 40th premier, promises cabinet shake-up as new leader