MPs react to Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock resignation
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will step down from politics next week after nearly nine years in the state’s top job.
At a press conference today, Palaszczuk announced her shock resignation amid speculation about her future as Queensland’s leader.
Former and current MPs swiftly took to social media today to celebrate Palaszczuk’s remarkable career.
‘A Labor hero’: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leads tributes
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Palaszczuk notified him of her resignation this morning.
In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Albanese credited Palaszczuk’s “extraordinary 2015 election win”, in which he said helped 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,” the PM wrote.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns
NSW Premier Chris Minns commended his Labor counterpart as a “trailblazer” in Queensland politics.
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Former Labor PM Julia Gillard applauded Palaszczuk’s three successive election wins and her “resilient leadership of Queensland”.
“Winning three elections has been a testament to your resilient leadership of Queensland,” Gillard wrote.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management Australia, Murray Watt
Labor senator of Queensland and federal frontbencher, Murray Watt, congratulated Palaszczuk on her eight years of service as premier, giving a nod to her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Labor federal treasurer Wayne Swan
Wayne Swan, former treasurer for the Rudd government, described Palaszczuk as “one of the true Qld Labor greats”.
“In 2015 Annastacia promised good, decent government for the people of Queensland. That’s exactly what she’s delivered for the last nine years,” he wrote.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
Newly-appointed premier, Jacinta Allan, who became the first woman in over 30 years to lead the state of Victoria, lauded Palaszczuk’s time as a premier as a “remarkable achievement”.
“In my first weeks as Premier the support I got from Annastacia was incredible, and she was generous with her advice just this week at National Cabinet,” Allan wrote in a series of posts.
Speaker of The Australian House of Representatives Milton Dick
Member for Oxley, Milton Dick, praised Palaszczuk for helping serve her community in her home electorate of Inala, south-west of Brisbane.
“I’m proud of all of her achievements,” he wrote.
“To me, she’s a best friend in every way.”
Queensland Opposition leader David Crisafulli
Liberal Party leader David Crisafulli put his political differences aside to wish his opponent well in her retirement.
“Regardless of politics, nine years as Premier deserves acknowledgement and respect,” Crisafulli wrote on X.
