Premier Steven Miles of Queensland sparked controversy by choosing to use a government flight for a brief journey between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg to deliver a birthday cake to a Member of Parliament and make an announcement, rather than traveling along the infamous Bruce Highway. The decision to fly, lasting a mere 11 minutes, allowed him to avoid the risks associated with the deadly highway, known for numerous recent accidents.

The Premier’s flight, which included Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and media representatives, did not result in additional costs to taxpayers as the government had already leased the aircraft. By opting for air travel, they bypassed the approximately one-hour-and-twenty-minute drive on the hazardous Bruce Highway, a route plagued by fatal crashes, including a recent incident involving multiple vehicles due to heavy fog.

The Bruce Highway, spanning 1,673 kilometers, has been a longstanding concern due to its history of accidents, with tragic incidents occurring frequently. Recent fatalities on the highway have included collisions involving buses, trucks, and other vehicles, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. The road’s dangerous conditions have prompted calls for improved safety measures and infrastructure upgrades to prevent further tragedies.

Critics, including Sky News Australia host James Macpherson, have criticized Premier Miles for opting to fly instead of facing the road’s challenges like other Queenslanders. Macpherson highlighted the inadequacies in road infrastructure and criticized the government’s lack of action to enhance the safety of the Bruce Highway, implying that the Premier’s decision to fly was a way to avoid the road’s substandard conditions.

The Premier’s office defended the decision, stating that the visit to regional areas was aimed at engaging with local communities and addressing their unique needs and issues, such as healthcare access. The government emphasized its commitment to addressing challenges faced by regional Queensland, including healthcare, education, and economic development.

As Queenslanders prepare for the upcoming elections, Premier Miles faces the task of convincing voters that he is the most suitable candidate to lead the state. With the polls approaching, the controversy surrounding the Premier’s choice to fly rather than drive on the Bruce Highway has sparked debate and raised questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to improving critical infrastructure for the safety and well-being of all residents.