Northern exposure: Labor risks losing its grip on the mainland with the next Queensland election, as Annastacia Palaszczuk's successor faces pressing social justice issues and disastrous floods.

The article highlights the recent floods in North Queensland and the political dynamics in the aftermath, focusing on the resignation of Annastacia Palaszczuk and the rise of Steven Miles as the new premier. Topics include the impact of disasters on Queensland politics, the housing crisis, the youth crime issue in Townsville, and challenges facing the new premier in a state characterized by regionalism.