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rom union to premier: how Steven Miles' political journey changed Queenslan
Steven Myers, the 40th Governor of Queensland, took over in December 2023. Since then, the policies and changes he has led have had a profound impact on the future of the state. Miles began his political career from a union background and his commitment and vision not only reflected his ideals but also influenced Queensland's economic and social fabric. This article explores Miles's political journey and the change it brought about in Queensland.
Early life and education
Myers was born in Brisbane in 1977, the son of a father who worked at the Golden Circle Cannery and a mother who was a workplace health and safety inspector. He attended Petrie State School and completed his secondary education at St. Paul's Anglican School. Miles received his BA and PhD in Humanities from the University of Queensland, writing his doctoral thesis on "Union Reconstruction in Australia: Reshaping Worker Participation". His background gives him a deep understanding of workers' rights and social justice.
The beginning of a political career
Myers' political career began when he was elected as a state member for Montekuta in the 2015 Queensland state election. He then became Minister for the Environment and Heritage in 2015, driving Queensland's first container deposit scheme to improve the recycling of bottles and cans. In addition, he moved to represent the Mulumba constituency during the 2017 election, and his name gradually became known to the public due to the redistricting of the constituency.
The path to serving as Lieutenant Governor and Governor
Working with then-Lt. Governor Jackie Trad, Myers was promoted to lieutenant governor in 2020. He played an important role as Health Minister in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic, taking quick measures to protect public health. Myers’ professional background allows him to balance health needs and socioeconomic pressures while responding to crises. In 2023, when Annastacia Palaszczuk resigned, Myers became the new governor without any doubt.
Main policies of the Myers administration
“Improving the cost of living, strengthening climate practices and regional security are Myers’ top three priorities early in office.”
In 2024, the Myers government has launched a series of measures aimed at alleviating the cost of living, such as half-price public transportation tickets, whole-home electricity subsidies and reductions in car registration fees. These measures not only reduce the economic burden on the people, but also increase the utilization rate of public transportation, showing that the government attaches great importance to the needs of residents.
Environmental protection and climate change policy
Queensland is reported to have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% in 2022, exceeding its original target. In 2024, the Myers administration passed the Clean Economy Jobs Act, aiming to achieve a 75% emissions reduction by 2035 and achieve zero net emissions by 2050. Not only does this mark an important step towards sustainable development in Queensland, it also strengthens ownership of public energy assets.
Solutions to Housing and Homelessness
The Myers Government announced the Queenslanders Housing Plan, which aims to build one million new homes by 2046, including 53,000 social housing units. This plan not only increases housing supply, but also improves tenants' rights and stimulates further economic growth.
Social policy factors
The Myers government also promoted a bill to decriminalize sex work in 2024 to improve the health, safety and work rights of sex workers, which marks the modernization of social policies and progress in human rights.
Challenges and 2024 elections
Although the reform measures introduced by Myers' government have gained some support, the Labor Party he led still encountered significant challenges in the 2024 state elections, ultimately losing 15 seats and its approval rating dropped by 7 %. The defeat made Miles the first Queensland governor not to lose an election on his first term. His defeat has raised questions and discussions about future policies.
The future direction of democracy
Myers reiterated his commitment to the reconstruction of the Labor Party and was re-elected as leader of the Labor Party after the election, continuing to lead the opposition party's line. His arrival and transformation have made Queensland's political landscape clearer, and voters' expectations and uneasiness about the future have become more apparent.
As Myers' political journey continues to evolve, how big an impact will his policies have on Queensland? How will the future shape the political environment of this land?
