Jackie Trad’s exit from politics solidifies Annastacia Palaszczuk’s leadership

Political leaders usually go backwards after three elections, with rumours of takeovers. And while there’s some backroom jostling in Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk’s job seems pretty safe, writes Steven Wardill.

Annastacia Palaszczuk might insist, publicly at least, that she misses pugnacious former deputy premier Jackie Trad.

But without question, Trad’s inglorious exit from state politics last year has solidified Palaszczuk’s leadership and brought about a calmer and more cohesive government.
Gone are the days of Trad being paraded as the puppet master, the impatient heir apparent who was constantly accused of using her Left faction’s dominance over the Labor caucus.

Former deputy premier Jackie Trad at a protest in her South Brisbane electorate not long before the state election. Picture: Peter Wallis

While current Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Treasurer Cameron Dick might be duking it out to be seen as the natural successor, Palaszczuk begins her third term with unrivalled power and no real rival.

Political leaders usually go backwards after three elections and the drums start beating about succession plans.

But that hasn’t happened for Queensland’s 39th premier, who has taken Labor forward at every election she’s faced. Little wonder she professes to have never pondered what might come next when her political career is over because it may actually be true.

Still, the term ahead isn’t going to be easy. When the fog of the COVID pandemic finally lifts, there’s an economic recovery to undertake and so far the Government seems bereft of new ideas.

With a budget lumbered with debt and deficit, there’s little the Government can do to kickstart struggling areas of the economy.

Before the coronavirus came along, Palaszczuk’s popularity was wilting.

And that trend may return if the Government is repeatedly forced to defend its own record, which is exactly what happened recently during the debate over youth justice.

Palaszczuk has proven she’s a winner but LNP leader David Crisafulli shapes as a formidable opponent.

If her Government does start going in a more predictable direction, the question becomes about whether she’s willing to end her legacy as a loser.