Wally Lewis Shadowing Queensland PremierWally Lewis Shadowing Queensland Premier In an effort to bolster public support ahead of the upcoming October election, Queensland Premier Steven Miles has employed former rugby legend Wally Lewis to accompany him at public appearances and press conferences. Miles has implemented several measures to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, but has faced challenges in generating media attention amidst the opposition’s relentless sound bites. Lewis, known as “King Wally,” holds a beloved status among Queenslanders, transcending political affiliations. His presence is intended to compel media outlets to provide a more balanced coverage of the election rather than focusing solely on the government’s shortcomings. Despite being apolitical, Lewis’s role is to provide balance to the narrative surrounding the premier’s leadership. He emphasizes that his involvement is not intended to influence political opinion but offers a unique opportunity to engage with the public. Miles, a long-time Broncos fan, expressed delight at the opportunity to interact with Lewis. He believes the partnership will draw media attention, allowing him to highlight the government’s efforts to make public transportation more affordable. As of Monday, Queensland residents will benefit from a 50 cent fare on public transport, significantly reducing transportation costs compared to three decades ago. This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to easing financial burdens for citizens.
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Prime Minister Steven Miles is making a big push this week to turn the tide of public opinion against his government as Labor battles to secure a fourth term at the October election.
Queensland’s Premier has completely rebranded the Labor Party following the resignation of his successor Annastacia Palaszczuk, with major initiatives aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.
But will it be enough to fend off opposition leader David Crisafulli and his sixteen different sound bites on every political topic in every news report on television and radio on every station?
The answer is probably no.
After being humiliated by Palaszczuk’s landslide victory in 2020, defying all media attention for her government, Queensland news networks will not let that happen again.
With Miles struggling to make headlines for his government’s major infrastructure achievements, let alone its cost-of-living aid, it seems the only way the Prime Minister can get media attention is by commenting on the CFMEU’s misconduct, for which he ultimately takes full blame.
But recent changes in the prime minister’s office may have shattered the stories the media presented.
Since Monday, Steven Miles has been accompanied to every press conference and public appearance by former rugby legend Wally Lewis.
Nicknamed ‘King Wally’ or ‘The Emperor Of Lang Park’, the former Brisbane Broncos and Maroons superstar holds a place in the hearts of Queenslanders that extends beyond politics.
It is not yet clear whether Lewis will play the role of the prime minister’s personal assistant or bodyguard, or whether he will simply be ‘part of the entourage’, in the way that American rappers enter the ring with boxers.
In any case, it appears that his role is strictly apolitical and that he is merely attempting to force the journalists at the Courier Mail, Channel 7 and Nine to introduce some balance into their reporting on the upcoming election.
Speaking to The Betoota Advocate today, Wally Lewis says he’s not trying to influence political opinion, but that he’s semi-retired these days and “can think of worse ways to spend the day than alternating between high-end CBD lunches and intense weight training sessions in the Parliament House gym.”
Steven Miles says as a 25-year member of the Brisbane Broncos, the chance to hang out with Wally Lewis every day is a dream come true.
“It also means I get a bit more media attention. These journalists can’t resist pulling out their cameras and microphones whenever they see the king, which gives me a good opportunity to remind voters that from Monday they will only pay 50 cents for all public transport, making it cheaper than it was more than thirty years ago.”
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