Opinion: Palaszczuk’s popularity could see her in office till 2032

The Queensland Premier’s voter appeal is so extraordinary she might just pull off this milestone, writes Peter Gleeson.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is at the top of her game and Labor insiders say she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, senior Labor sources say she will not only run for the top job again in 2024, but as long as she remains healthy, she will try to win in 2028.

If she won in 2028, she’d be premier during the 2032 Olympics, to be held in August of that year.

Let’s not forget Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was premier for 19 years.

They have much in common. Both are seen as strong leaders with folksy appeal.

Most women love Ms Palaszczuk because she is seen as an inspiration.

Political parties only dream about the “unicorn’’ politician like Ms Palaszczuk. Labor knows her voter currency is extraordinary.

That’s why they spend so much time on her image. She bobs up on the national breakfast shows much more regularly now.

It’s part of a deliberate and meticulous strategy to let Australians know she’s front and centre of the pandemic response.

The danger is that she can get prickly when questioned by reporters on controversial or polarising topics. But the public seem to see that as a sideshow. The real game is keeping them safe and in a job.

A week is a long time in politics so looking towards who will be premier in 2032 is a galaxy away.

But don’t underestimate Annastacia Palaszczuk. If she wants to be premier for the Olympics in 2032, don’t put it past her.