Annastacia Palaszczuk says she has ‘enough energy’ to continue as Queensland Premier

Annastacia Palaszczuk says she has ‘enough energy’ to continue as Qld Premier despite the words and sudden resignation of her Western Australian counterpart.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said state premiers are “only human” after hearing the WA Premier, Mark McGowan, had resigned. Picture: Liam Kidston

Annastacia Palaszczuk says “premiers are only human” when asked about Western Australian leader Mark McGowan’s shock decision to step down – but declared she has the energy to push through to another election.

Mr McGowan announced his surprise resignation on Monday after six years in the top job, saying “I don’t have the energy or drive” to continue as premier, particularly combined with leading WA through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asked whether Ms Palaszczuk – given she has served longer as Queensland Premier and also went through the Covid pandemic as leader – would continue, she said “I have the energy”.

“The energy I get is from the people in this state,” she said.

Annastacia Palaszczuk said she still has “enough energy” to continue as Queensland Premier, despite her WA counterpart, Mark McGowan, announcing his resignation on Monday. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I have the energy to keep going and I look forward to continuing to serve this state in the lead up to the next election.

“To Mark McGowan, I do wish him all the very best, he was very dignified, he was very respected and I absolutely enjoyed working with him.

“He was a great source of someone who I could talk to as well during that pandemic, always contributed exceptionally well to national cabinet and was a fierce advocate in protecting people who lived in Western Australia.”

But the Ms Palaszczuk also said what the decision showed was “these jobs, through the 24-seven news cycle, are very busy jobs”.

The Western Australia Premier, Mark McGowan, announced his resignation on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“And I think people need to understand that politicians and premiers are only human,” she said.

“We try to do our very best for the people of this state, so I’m going to continue doing my job.

“It’s a privilege and honour to serve. But I do think we need to bring respect back into politics on both sides.”

Asked whether Mr McGowan’s resignation was a shock decision, Ms Palaszczuk said “I think everyone was surprised, but do I understand it? Of course.”

“He has a family. And, during Covid, they were relentless days. That’s a decision for him and his family and I do wish Mark all the very best.”