Queensland a fight on two fronts for Labor: Chalmers

“What are they? Well, in the city, we would love to snag a Greens seat or two, and in the suburbs and in the regions, we’ve got the old enemy. That’ll be challenging.”

Dr Chalmers said both sets of voters could be wooed by responsible economic management, which is his key selling point for electoral success.

“That is the sort of thing that Queenslanders reward,” he said. “Queenslanders are pragmatic, and they are practical, and they have two pragmatic and practical governments. And we need to ensure that the pragmatism that they display on a daily basis in their own lives is reflected by their governments.”

On Friday, Steven Miles was sworn in as premier, and Treasurer Cameron Dick sworn in as deputy premier, after Ms Palaszczuk stepped down after nine years at the helm.

Ms Palaszczuk was pushed out amid fears she would lead state Labor to defeat at the election due for October next year, and that she was dragging down the party’s brand in a state that is also critical to Anthony Albanese’s re-election prospects.

“It’s possible to have a high regard for Annastacia and still recognise that a new and renewed government eliminates their opponent’s argument about still hanging around,” Dr Chalmers said.

“You know, mountain [of] respect for Annastacia, amazing that she was able to win all those elections, genuine Labor hero. But I think Steven Miles has it within him and has the team to really freshen up the joint and to convey a sense of renewal in office.”

Upon taking office on Friday, Dr Miles announced he was increasing Queensland’s emissions reduction targets, pledging a 75 per cent cut to emissions over 2005 levels by 2035,

It was said before the last election that federal Labor could not win government without increasing its seats in Queensland.

It actually went backwards in Queensland by losing Griffith to the Greens but, due to a fierce backlash against the Morrison government in Western Australia, Labor won four seats from the Liberals there and fell across the line to form majority government by two seats.

There is little expectation Labor will hold all its seats in WA at the next election, making Queensland all the more important. It is struggling for support in the state, which is the home of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

Dr Chalmers said the challenge for Labor was “getting the foundations right and not chasing every distraction”.