The only state Queensland managed to beat economically last quarter was coronavirus ravaged Victoria, demonstrating what happens when a premier fails to juggle both the virus and the economy.

Sky News host Chris Smith said ANZ research showed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had driven her state “to the bottom of the economic barrel” through her hardline, economically damaging border stance.

“It did not bounce back like the rest of the states of Australia. In fact, how’s this; housing, business, the labour market – that’s your job and trade sectors – were all down,” Mr Smith said.

“ANZ reported reduced investment within the resources sector and in new dwellings.

“Prices for Queensland’s major commodity exports – LNG and coal – also fell in the quarter.

“No matter how the Qld Government wants to spin it, the state’s economy is flat-lining at a time when the rest of Australia recorded an encouraging bounce back.”

Mr Smith said despite the gloomy economic outcome, most Queenslanders were still thankful for the premier’s border stance.

“The Premier was only focused on one thing; the secret polling she’s yet to reveal which showed that her virus obsession would sail her back into office,” he said.

“The reality is hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders are now paying for that cynical power trip.”