Queenslanders can now cast their ballot to decide on the next premier with Labor vying to retain government for a fourth term and the Liberal National Party hoping to upset the incumbent’s record.
Early voting will begin in Queensland on Monday with around 3.7 million people set to cast their ballot in person or via the post between now and the October 26 poll.
Premier Steven Miles unveiled a $1.4 billion commitment over four years to make school lunch free for all state primary students from prep to year six starting in 2025 if returned to office.
Premier Steven Miles and daughter Bridie at Labor’s campaign launch on Sunday. A pledge to offer free school lunches will cost $1.4 billion.Credit: Annette Dew
Polls indicate the premier is likely to lose the election, with the LNP leading Labor 56 points to 44 on a two-party preferred basis, but Miles is unperturbed by the forecast, promising to keep fighting to win.
Labor has enjoyed almost a decade in power since Annastacia Palaszczuk ousted Campbell Newman in 2015.
Miles replaced Palaszczuk in December when she stepped down, but is gunning for a win to govern the state in his own right after 10 months in the top job.
“There’s a limit to how long you want to be a leader without a mandate, without being elected in your own right,” he told reporters.
“I certainly want that mandate so I can do things like free school lunches.”
LNP’s David Crisafulli is vying for the top job after four years as opposition leader and promises a fresh start for Queensland.
“We’ve reached the halfway point in the campaign, and it is clear that Queensland needs a fresh start,” he said.
AAP
Read the full article here
