Queensland will legislate a 75 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035, the state’s new premier says.
Steven Miles used his first speech as premier to outline his priorities, including an ambitious climate action plan.
“We are making a very clear statement to the world that Queensland is the place to do business if you’re looking to use clean energy to create prosperity,” he said.
“This announcement brings Queensland within reach of the Paris Agreement’s trajectory, but in reality Australia should aim to get to net zero before 2035 to play our part in keeping global warming to 1.5C.”
Health, cost of living, youth crime and the 2032 Olympics were also on the agenda, with Mr Miles announcing a new delivery authority for the Games.
“This is a chance for us all to unite, but it has become divisive – I want to fix that,” the newly sworn-in premier said of the 2032 Games.
New cabinet
Over the next few days Mr Miles will finalise his cabinet, who will be sworn in on Monday.
Mr Miles and his Deputy Premier Cameron Dick were sworn in on Friday afternoon, marking the first time since 2005 the Queensland Labor party has two men at the helm.
They were met with applause as they entered the caucus room in Brisbane on Friday morning.
When they emerged – both elected unanimously and unopposed to their roles – a new-look cabinet was revealed.
Nikki Boyd, Bart Mellish, Michael Healy, Lance McCallum and Charis Mullen will all be given frontbench positions.
Mark Bailey, Stirling Hinchliffe and Craig Crawford have lost their ministerial portfolios.
“They are younger, they are energetic, they are ready to deliver a fresh new approach for Queenslanders,” Mr Miles said of his new cabinet members.
Outgoing premier Annastacia Palaszczuk did not attend the caucus meeting.
The new premier backed Labor to win next year’s state election.
“While we are the underdog I am confident we can do this,” he said.
“Ultimately, I’m a suburban Queensland dad with three kids, and so many Queenslanders are like me, and I want to demonstrate to them that I understand what concerns them in their day-to-day lives and how government can help them.”
Review of 2032 Olympic infrastructure plans
Mr Miles had earlier confirmed an independent authority would be established to review 2032 Brisbane Olympic infrastructure plans, with the controversial $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild on the list.
Mr Miles emerged as the frontrunner to take over the top job soon after Ms Palaszczuk’s shock announcement on Sunday.
An emotional Ms Palaszczuk stepped down after almost nine years as premier, quickly endorsing Mr Miles as her successor.
However he faced opposition with Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announcing a leadership tilt.
Barely 12 hours later Ms Fentiman withdrew her bid, saying it was clear Mr Miles had the numbers to become premier amid speculation of a backroom union deal.
Big shoes await Mr Miles.
Ms Palaszczuk was Australia’s longest-serving sitting premier, enjoying 12 years as party leader.
She went from an opposition with seven seats to becoming premier in 2015, going on to become the first woman to lead a party to three state election victories.
Ms Palaszczuk will also depart her Inala seat by year’s end, prompting a by-election.
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : SBS – https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/queensland-sets-new-2035-climate-emissions-reduction-target/jrt7om5ze
