Bruce Saunders speaks out about Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation

Maryborough Labor MP Bruce Saunders has spoken out about the resignation of Annastacia Palaszczuk after saying she was “the best supporter we’ve had”.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders at the Downer Rail Manufacturing facility at Maryborough on Monday. Picture Lachie Millard

For years, former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was someone Maryborough Labor MP Bruce Saunders could turn to as he fought to bring the city back of life.

In 2019, as Mr Saunders worked to bring manufacturing back to the Heritage City, he declared that, four years after being elected as the local MP, Maryborough was “no longer the Detroit City of Queensland”.

After Ms Palaszczuk’s resignation on Sunday, Mr Saunders reflected on the difference she had made in getting the city back on its feet.

“She has been a great supporter. She’s been the best supporter we’ve had,” he said.

Labor Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders.

Among many projects that have helped rebuild the Maryborough electorate, the announcement that Queensland Train Manufacturing Program would build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea was perhaps the most significant.

Mr Saunders said he had worked closely alongside the Premier her to ensure the future would be bright for Maryborough, adding that most people didn’t know how hard she had worked.

Mr Saunders described new Premier Steven Miles as a “good operator”.

Cameron Dick, Annastacia Palaszczuk, Bruce Saunders and Steven Miles celebrate the announcement with Downer employees at Maryborough. Picture Lachie Millard

He said he remained committed to achieving goals for Maryborough, no matter who was at the helm.

“Whenever I’m in this seat, my vision for Maryborough as a manufacturing hub will always be here,” he said.

In a shock resignation that took many in her own party by surprise, Ms Palaszczuk battled through tears to describe her experience in the state’s top job.

“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to community service; there’s no greater honour.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the turning point was seeing the new faces around the national cabinet table last week.

“I was sitting there thinking this is the fourth prime minister … and I thought to myself, renewal is a good thing,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk will also finish as the Member for Inala at the end of this month, forcing a by-election in the new year.