Premier Steven Miles has stirred controversy by opting to use a government flight to transport a birthday cake to a Member of Parliament, sidestepping the need to travel on the perilous Bruce Highway in Queensland. The Premier’s decision to fly from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg, covering a mere 74-kilometer distance in just 11 minutes, has sparked criticism.

The Premier, accompanied by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and media personnel, including a Courier Mail journalist and photographer, made the short flight to deliver three mud cakes to Bundaberg MP Tom Smith for his birthday celebration. Photos shared on social media depicted the Premier presenting the cakes adorned with strawberries and birthday candles.

While in Bundaberg, Premier Miles not only delivered the cakes but also engaged in various activities, such as a radio interview and a visit to the Bundaberg East State School construction site, where he announced plans for a new security fence. The flight, as per the Premier’s office, did not incur additional costs to taxpayers as the government had already leased the plane for official use.

The decision to opt for air travel over road transportation, particularly the Bruce Highway, was met with criticism, with concerns raised about the safety of the highway, which has witnessed numerous fatal accidents in recent times. Truck drivers, in particular, have expressed apprehensions about the highway’s condition, with incidents like multiple vehicle collisions and fatal crashes highlighting the dangers posed by the route.

Critics, including Sky News Australia host James Macpherson, have condemned the Premier’s choice to fly, citing the poor state of the Bruce Highway and asserting that the government has failed to address the issues plaguing the road infrastructure. The Premier’s office defended his actions, stating that the visit to regional areas was aimed at engaging with local communities and addressing challenges faced by residents, such as access to healthcare and education.

As Queensland gears up for elections on October 26, Premier Miles faces the task of convincing voters of his leadership capabilities amidst the scrutiny surrounding his decision to prioritize air travel for a birthday cake delivery over the hazardous highway. The incident has reignited discussions on road safety and infrastructure development, underscoring the importance of addressing critical transportation concerns in the region.