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Politics
Fraser Barton

Miles makes voter pitch as parliament wraps before poll

Premier Steven Miles appeared to be making a final stand on the last sitting day of the parliament. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The countdown to the Queensland election has begun, with Premier Steven Miles making his final parliamentary pitch to voters.

Behind in the polls, the premier warned Queenslanders "the stakes are high" at the October 26 election as the Liberal National Party threatens to end Labor's nine-year reign.

Mr Miles claimed Labor was "turning a corner" in the biggest challenges facing Queenslanders - youth crime, health, cost of living and housing.

He believes Queensland would be heading toward the great unknown if LNP leader David Crisafulli was elected as premier.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli is on track to take the state's top job, the latest poll shows. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Mr Miles appeared to be making his last stand in heated scenes as Queensland's 57th parliament sat for the final time on Thursday, offering voters a choice.

"Queenslanders know me. They know that I will do what matters, and I will always listen and deliver - the alternative is void of any plans at all," he told parliament.

"So in 45 days, that's the choice, a choice between my clear and detailed vision and the unknown. 

"Let's get locked in now. It's time to hit the road. Our plan is hot to go."

Mr Miles has been premier for nine months since Annastacia Palaszczuk's tearful resignation in December.

In a bid to hold onto the reins, he has docked car registration by 20 per cent, introduced 50 cent public transport fares, provided $1000 in energy rebates to every household and started free kindergarten in 2024.

Overall the Labor government has announced $11.2 billion in cost-of-living concessions.

Steven Miles
Mr Miles was heckled by the opposition during what could be his last sitting day as premier. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

"I've said the stakes are high because they are," Mr Miles said.

"I have a plan to address the challenges Queenslanders are facing on housing, cost of living, community safety and health, and there is evidence those plans are working, and we are turning a corner. 

"Now is the time to do what matters and build a better future for Queensland."

He was heckled during his ministerial statement and there was no let-up in Question Time.

Again and again the LNP took aim at the premier, repeatedly asking if "time's up for Labor".

Mr Miles countered by calling Mr Crisafulli "the invisible man", claiming the LNP leader had provided little policy detail ahead of the election.

Mr Crisafulli is on track to win the top job, with 44 per cent of respondents in the latest survey indicating the LNP will be their first preference at the ballot box.

Polling by Resolve Strategic between June and September for the Brisbane Times showed just 23 per cent of voters would put Labor first.

"Queenslanders desperately need change," Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie told parliament.

"You're not going to get a plan of change under the Labor government."

Jarrod Bleijie
Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie said it was time for a change of government in Queensland. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

A coal profits super tax on Thursday was set to be the final piece of legislation enshrined before October's poll.

Introduced in July 2022 after a 10-year freeze, it ensures miners pay a larger proportion of tax for coal in an additional three-tier system.

Mr Miles also committed to facilitating a transfer of ownership and introducing legislation to assist the mining town of Mount Isa if re-elected.

Glencore announced it would cease the town's 60-year-old copper mine in 2025, affecting 1200 workers.

Labor's move was welcomed by local MP Robbie Katter, who sought a similar LNP commitment.

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