Annastacia Palaszczuk recounts ‘too many’ times she encountered misogyny

On her way to becoming the longest-serving female leader in Australian history, Annastacia Palaszczuk was treated differently “too many” times.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in her office at 1 William Street, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

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Annastacia Palaszczuk has spoken of “too many” occasions where she has been treated differently because she is a woman.

The Queensland Premier – who is now the longest-serving female head of government in Australian history – has also urged others to not get “caught up” with comments made on social media.

In an interview with The Courier-Mail, Ms Palaszczuk reflected on how she was the only woman at the Council of Australian Governments – now national cabinet – when she first became premier.

“In the early days of COAG, at first it was a room full of men, and we (the Queensland government) had a Cabinet where we had 50 per cent women – so it was a different dynamic,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“That’s changed over time. Now you have more and more female role models. Look at all the women ministers there are now federally. I think that helps to break down barriers.”

Ms Palaszczuk said there had been times in the past when she had been treated differently because of her gender.

“Probably too many to name, but … in the past in different roles,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“But I think, once again, the more young women and girls see people in positions of power, it encourages them to get involved and to bring about change.”

Ms Palaszczuk, who marked eight years in the state’s top job this week, is the first woman to lead an opposition into state government.

She also spoke about the harmful impacts cyber-bullying can have on mental health – saying it was an issue she was passionate about addressing.

“My advice to them (other women) would be, and this is very clear advice too, is don’t get caught up with what is said on social media, what is said in comments,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Because seven times out of ten, they’re not real people – so they’re people who have just set up a different account. And don’t take them personally.

“I can understand how cyber-bullying has a big impact on young people and how mental health can have a big impact on adults as well.”

She said new technology was “great”, but issued a warning about its “detrimental” effects.

In the same exclusive interview, Ms Palaszczuk revealed she had no plans to step aside as premier – saying she was determined to lead Labor to the 2024 state election.