Opposition Leader Found in Contempt of Queensland Parliament
Steven Miles has been found in contempt of the Queensland parliament for knowingly making a misleading statement about Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie's property interests. Miles apologized on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The Incident
Miles alleged in parliament in 2024 that Bleijie failed to disclose a conflict of interest during the 2024 state election regarding a Sunshine Coast property. The Ethics Committee later found that Miles' statement was misleading and recommended a finding of contempt and an apology.
Apology and Consequences
Miles offered an unreserved apology on February 6, 2025, stating: "I accept the findings of the report. I offer my unreserved and sincere, unequivocal apology to the House."
Bleijie, who referred Miles to the committee, said Miles was "not fit to be leader of the opposition." The parliament subsequently voted to find Miles in contempt.
Deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick expressed support for Miles, describing him as "a man of decency and integrity."
Background
The last finding of contempt against a party leader in Queensland was against then-premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in 2021 over threats to strip Katter's Australia Party of staffing resources.
Key Statements
- Jarrod Bleijie: "Steven Miles has lied to parliament deliberately. He had information, he knew the information was wrong, he proceeded to say the information."
- Cameron Dick: Noted the finding was made by a majority, not unanimous, and accused the government of failing to uphold ministerial standards.
Note: Miles' initial apology in April 2025 was deemed insufficient by Bleijie and the committee, leading to the renewed apology.