Annastacia Palaszczuk has resigned as Queensland premier and has been described as a ‘Labor hero’ by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
An emotional Ms Palaszczuk announced the shock move through tears on Sunday saying ‘the time was right’.
‘I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,’ she said. ‘I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and it’s the right time, and it’s time for renewal.
‘I’ve dedicated my whole life to community service, there’s no greater honour. Nine years, it feels like an eternity.’
The Premier wiped away tears as she confirmed her retirement from politics, following months of speculation that she would do so.
Ms Palaszczuk said she began considering retirement during a two-week holiday Italian holiday with her surgeon partner Reza Adib in September.
She had faced stinging criticism for taking the holiday amid controversial youth justice law changes and poor opinion polling, with critics labelling her a ‘part-time premier’.
She has since repeatedly been forced to hose down suggestions of leadership challenges.
‘Everyone deserves a break. Finally last week, my mind was made up at national cabinet,’ she said.
‘I was sitting there thinking, this is the fourth prime minister, there were all these new faces sitting around the cabinet table.
‘We got a great deal for Queensland, $4billion, and I thought to myself, renewal is a good thing.’
She said that she did not yet know what she would do next. ‘I have no job come January. I will be finishing up as (an MP).
‘I will be out there promoting Queensland in some form or capacity.’
Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) resigned as Queensland premier on Sunday
Mr Albanese said Ms Palaszczuk retires as a ‘Labor hero’.
‘A three time election winner, Australia’s longest-serving female Premier and – above all else – a champion for Queenslanders,’ he said.
Mr Albanese wrote on social media that ‘Annastacia’s leadership brought Queensland Labor back from the political brink and on so many occasions since then her government has put Queensland in a position of national leadership.
‘Annastacia leaves office rightly proud of all she has achieved and – as ever – thinking of what is best for Queensland and its future. I wish her all the very best for her future.’
Ms Palaszczuk reminded reporters that when she became the Queensland state Labor leader the party was an opposition of just seven members.
‘I said that first election would be like climbing Mount Everest. I went on to climb that mountain twice more. I don’t need to do it again.’
She became emotional during her speech, saying ‘Standing here today in this place, with these flags, and standing up for the people of Queensland has been the honour of my life.
Annastacia Palaszczuk (left) is pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ALP National Conference 2023 at the Brisbane Convention on Thursday, August 17, 2023
Ms Palaszczuk (right) is pictured with Queensland’s Deputy Premier Steven Miles, who is one of three likely candidates to replace her
‘I don’t believe anyone who comes after me will know how humbling it is… to travel this state and meet so many amazing people.
‘I fought the good fight, I have given everything, but now is the time for me to find out what else life has to offer…
‘Thank you to every single Queenslander… It has been the greatest honour of my life and our best days are ahead of us.’
She was first elected as Premier in 2015, then at the following election in 2017 became the first female leader in Australia to be reelected.
She also led the first majority female cabinet in Australia.
Ms Palaszczuk went led Labor to increased majorities at the 2017 and 2020 state elections, becoming the first Australian female premier to win three terms.
She will stay on until the end of the coming week.
Her successor is likely to be a three-way contest between the Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and Treasurer Cameron Dick.
Queensland senator and the federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt tweeted that Ms Palaszczuk had given ‘over eight years of strong leadership for Queensland’.
Ms Palaszczuk (pictured) said ‘the time was right’ for her to leave politics
‘Three election wins, restoring public services after the savage Newman LNP cuts, guiding Queensland through Covid and setting the state up for a future powered by clean energy jobs. Much to be proud of,’ he said.
Former federal Labor Treasurer Wayne Swan, who is a Queenslander, also paid tribute to Ms Palaszczuk.
‘In 2015 Annastacia promised good, decent government for the people of Queensland.
‘That’s exactly what she’s delivered for the last nine years. Congratulations on your premiership. You are one of the true Qld Labor greats.’
Another fellow Queenslander, the federal parliament speaker Milton Dick, said Ms Palaszczuk had been ‘An amazing Queensland premier.
‘Annastacia Palaszczuk is a record maker and has delivered for our great State and for the Inala community. I’m proud of all her achievements.
‘To me, she’s a best friend in every way. Looking forward to see her succeed and lead in the next chapter of her life.’
Queensland’s Opposition leader, David Crisafulli, said ‘Regardless of politics, nine years as premier deserves acknowledgement and respect.
‘I want to thank Annastacia Palaszczuk for her service and wish her well in her retirement.’
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, pictured at Logan Hospital in Brisbane, Friday, November 17, 2023, is in the running to replace Ms Palaszczuk
Queensland’s Treasurer Cameron Dick (pictured right) is also one of those who could replace Ms Palaszczuk (pictured left)
Griffith University academic Paul Williams told the ABC that Ms Palaszczuk’s resignation was ‘prompted by a couple of events.
‘The most recent poll to come out of Queensland shows the Labor vote is actually stabilising, but the leadership approval ratings of Annastacia Palaszczuk personally are still in decline, which suggests to party elders that the problem is with the leader and not the party and that the leader had to go.
‘I suspect in recent times, possibly even over the last week, that she has received a tap on the shoulder from factional chieftains both inside the party and outside the party (who) have tapped her on the shoulder to say that your leadership is unsustainable, Labor can’t win under your leadership, it is time to move on.’