Steven Miles admits Labor ‘failed as a govt’, vows to scrap and rebuild policy for 2028
Steven Miles has announced Labor will completely rebuild its policy platform after suffering a crushing 7 per cent swing at the state election, declaring the party can return to government by 2028.
Labor will completely scrap and rebuild its policy platform ahead of the next election, with Opposition Leader Steven Miles declaring he is confident the party can win back Queenslanders by 2028.
Mr Miles has addressed the Labor Party state conference for the first time since becoming leader, revealing the Queensland Opposition team plans to “approach this term with a clean slate”.
“We have travelled the state to hear directly where we - to be blunt - failed as a government, and what we need to do better if we want to earn the trust of Queenslanders again in 2028,” he said.
Labor suffered a significant 7 per cent swing against at the 2024 state election, losing 16 seats to the LNP.
Mr Miles said it was now time to “shake off” the past, with the Opposition to spend the next three years creating a “comprehensive” and precise party platform expected to focus on cost of living, housing, health and crime.
“We will lay bare every single slip up, mistake, bad policy and bad outcome of this bad LNP government,” he said.
Miles took several swipes at Premier David Crisafulli, labelling him a “puppet” for the LNP Christian right.
“Driven by the ideological far right David Crisafulli and the LNP have scrapped respect at work... gagged the parliament from talking about abortion, refused medical care for young trans people, and banned pill testing,” he said.
“The Premier is a puppet for his party’s ideological regime.
“The Education Minister won’t even meet with our teachers who are burning out.
“You would think a bloke with a $30,000 watch could find the time to meet with our teachers.”
Mr Miles, who opened his speech with a nod to the party’s Indigenous members, received a raucous applause and standing ovation from the room.
About 500 Labor members, delegates and MPs are in attendance including powerbroker Gary “Blocker” Bullock, former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and party legends Wayne Swan and John Battams.
Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick has opened old wounds for Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, telling the room he is still willing to debate him.
Mr Bleijie boycotted The Courier-Mail’s deputy leader debate during the 2024 election.
Instead Mr Dick debated a life-sized cardboard cutout version of the leader.
Mr Dick, quickly addressing the Labor conference before flying north to lead the Labor campaign in Hinchinbrook, took several swipes at his LNP counterpart.
“We know about decency and dignity and respect in the Labor Party, because that’s what motivates us and our values and long may it be that way,” he said.
“But dignity, decency and respect are not what David Crisafulli and Jarrod Bleijie and the LNP are showing to Queenslanders.”
Mr Dick took a swipe at Mr Bleijie for “demonising” Labor’s building program.
“Fair dinkum, I have not seen so much concrete since I caught Jarrod Bleijie doing his hair one morning.
“I don’t like to speak of that bloke, but speaking of that bloke, Jarrod Bleijie can say whatever he likes about the 2024 state election, but I say to Jarrod I’m still waiting to debate you.”
Originally published as Steven Miles admits Labor ‘failed as a govt’, vows to scrap and rebuild policy for 2028
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