‘Good riddance’, ‘Very sad’, ‘Thank you’: Qld responds as Premier quits

Good riddance, best wishes and questions about what happens next have dominated reader reaction following Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock retirement.

Good riddance, best wishes and questions about what happens next have dominated reader reaction following Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock retirement.

In emotional announcement on Sunday morning that shocked the state, the Premier said the “time was right” and that she had “run a marathon” for nine years.

Here is how Courier-Mail readers reacted to the news.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing her retirement from politics. Picture: Liam Kidston

The supporters

“Thanks for your service Annastacia. You have left Queensland a better place. Enjoy your life out of the public eyes and holiday without the press following you,” Scott posted.

“Very sadden by the news that Annastacia has stepped down as premier. She was the best premier Queensland ever had. Better than previous premiers that Queensland had. Very grateful for her in helping pensioners with cost of living,” Darrel posted.

“A fantastic premier. Three election victories. The people always get it right,” Paul said.

“Thank you Anna. Forget the haters comments, Queensland is the envy of the world look how many people want to move here,” Rob said.

“Anna I have never been a supporter but like all of us I am sure you woke up everyday and went to work with good intentions. Take a long well deserved holiday. Let the rest look after the state as you have done your share for good or bad. You did it,” Robert wrote.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Liam Kidston

The haters

“Just came back from a holiday in Brisbane. Sense a real mood for change. People are fed up with youth crime, cost of living and the state of Queensland roads and the ALP have really been on the nose up there,” Rupert commented

“Looks like the union movers and shakers who dictate the composition of the George street Soviet have been rattled by the polls and groundswell of public opinion against the tired and out of touch Qld Labor govt. Miles and Fentiman are part of the problem. Crisafulli a breath of fresh air,” P wrote.

“No … I wanted to see her lose (more humiliating) and see what her concession speech would be like. Great result though,” Nigel wrote.

“The only people who voted her in were the electors of her Inala electorate. The very least she could do is stay the rest of the term and do what she was elected to do which is to represent the electors of her seat. To run away and hide from these shows absolute contempt for those who voted for her to represent them. No one else in this state actually voted for her,” John commented.

Annastacia Palaszczuk at an election night function in 2015.

The future?

“The next best present would be for Queensland to head to an early poll and vote for a new Premier outright,” Fiona wrote.

“Now that Queen Palaszczuk has finally fallen on her sword, can we please also get rid of her multi-billion dollar vanity project (2032 Olympics) which the overwhelming majority of Queenslanders clearly don’t want,” Anna wrote.

“The ALP needs to pick someone they do not ever want as leader to replace Anna. Whoever gets the job will only last until the next election, so they don’t want to burn anyone important,” Pending wrote.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing her resignation. from politics, 1 William Street, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

“This is a great day and a very sad day. Happy to see her go … But also sad to see her go because her replacement will be worse,” Rodney posted.

“Miles is the man to lead us out of this quagmire that Palaszczuk has left us in. A man of vision, a true statesman, just what Queensland needs going forward. I foresee a new era,” Jill said.