State Labor seeks a ‘clean slate’ in party rebuild

A former prime minister has vowed to reset his party’s policy proposals and find out where they are “failing” in government in a bid to rebuild trust.

Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles used his speech at the state Labor Party convention on Saturday not to announce major policies but to remain loyal to the party.

“To be clear, we have traveled across the state to find out where we have failed as a government and what we need to do better if we are to regain the trust of Queenslanders in 2028,” he said.

“We are approaching this period with the opposition with a clean slate.

“It’s a chance to acknowledge where we made mistakes and lost focus, own our mistakes, and rebuild.”

Mr Miles was prime minister for 10 months before losing to David Crisafulli’s Liberal National Party in 2024.

His predecessor Annastacia Palaszczuk, who led Queensland Labor for nine years, was honored with life membership on Saturday for her role in returning the decimated party of just seven members to government within an election cycle in 2015.

But the Labor leader said there was at least one benefit to being in opposition: time.

He said the movement will use this time to build strong relationships and advance policies and solutions to worsening crises including housing, cost of living, health care and community safety.

“And we need your commitment, too, the same support we gave to Albo and the federal campaign,” Mr. Miles said.

Queensland Labor has focused on regaining support in the regions as it maps a path back to government, with the party launching a regional recruitment drive based on its regional shadow cabinet programme.

“Growing our party is so important right now as we stand up against Crisafulli and his cuts,” Mr Miles said.

“Because together, bigger and stronger, we will create opportunities for future generations.”