Queensland Premier Criticized for Using Separate Private Jets for Identical Trips

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has come under fire for flying himself and Police Minister Mark Ryan in separate private jets for identical trips to make announcements across the state. The opposition Liberal National Party (LNP) has accused Miles of being "out of touch" during a cost-of-living crisis by chartering two jets for the Premier, Police Minister, and the new Police Commissioner to travel on the same routes within minutes of each other to the same locations.

The criticism centered on the use of two chartered jets for the trips, which has been seen as an unnecessary expense and contradictory to the state's recently passed ambitious emission reduction target legislation "just a week after the state passed ambitious emission reduction target legislation," according to one summary. While the visits to regional areas were deemed appropriate, the decision to use separate jets for the Premier and Minister has raised questions about the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the government's travel arrangements.

Miles has blamed his staff for the decision to use the private jets, acknowledging that it was not a good look. He defended the use of the two jets, stating that they were necessary for the Premier and Police Minister to travel the state with the new Police Commissioner. However, taxpayers have had to cover the cost of the two jets used for the 48-hour media tour, raising concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.

Why this matters: The use of separate private jets by government officials for identical trips raises questions about the responsible use of taxpayer money and the government's commitment to reducing emissions. This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in government travel practices, especially during times of economic hardship for many citizens.

Sky News host James Macpherson slammed the practice, stating that "it is good to be the king" and that the Premier is "sparing no expense" as a people's representative. The criticism stems from the Premier announcing tough emission reduction targets one week, and then traveling via private jets with the Police Commissioner to the same functions the following week. The government's actions have been viewed as wasteful and unnecessary, with calls for more efficient and environmentally-friendly travel practices by public officials.

Key Takeaways

• Queensland Premier and Police Minister took separate private jets for identical trips.
• Opposition accused Premier of being "out of touch" during cost-of-living crisis.
• Use of two jets contradicted state's recent emission reduction target legislation.
• Premier blamed staff for decision, defended jets as necessary for travel with Police Commissioner.
• Incident raises concerns about responsible use of taxpayer money and government's emission commitments.