‘Labor hero’: Annastacia Palaszczuk celebrated amid bombshell retirement
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led the chorus of tributes to outgoing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk following her bombshell retirement.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led the chorus of tributes to outgoing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk following her bombshell retirement.
While Olympic heavyweight John Coates has also spoken highly of the outgoing premier, his “close friend” and said he was “sure she would” continue to be involved in the 2032 Games. In a lengthy Twitter post, Mr Albanese said Ms Palaszczuk retired as a “Labor hero, a three-time election winner and Australia’s longest-serving female Premier”.
Above all, he said, she was a “champion for Queensland”.
“From the moment she made history with her extraordinary 2015 election victory, Annastacia has served Queensland with fierce pride in her state and a powerful determination to deliver for people,” he posted.
”Annastacia’s leadership brought Queensland Labor back from the political brink and on so many occasions since then her government has put Queensland in a position of national leadership.
“Under Annastacia, Queensland has set the standard for progress on workers’ rights, rebuilding public hospitals and strengthening public TAFE, helping regional communities seize the opportunities of renewable energy and protecting the precious treasures of our national environment
“So much of her legacy, in everything from housing and skills to hospital funding and the NDIS, reflects the strength of her Labor values and her conviction and confidence on the national stage.
“When the world turns its eyes to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, so much of what they see in that vibrant and prosperous setting will reflect the vision and ambition of Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Annastacia leaves office rightly proud of all she has achieved and – as ever – thinking of what is best for Queensland and its future. I wish her all the very best for her future.”
Olympic heavyweight John Coates has paid tribute to outgoing Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, describing her as a “close friend” - and saying he was sure she would continue to be involved in the 2032 Games.
The International Olympic Committee Vice President and former Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates said he wanted to acknowledge her stewardship of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Candidature Leadership Group.
“She clearly impressed all the IOC Future Host Commission and other key stakeholders right through this process, culminating in the election of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032,” Mr Coates said.
“Since the election of Brisbane as Games’ hosts Premier Palaszczuk has overseen, in her capacity as Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the establishment of the Games Organising Committee and the key appointments of the OCOG President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Throughout this period, she has always insisted that these will be a Games for all of Queensland with Games’ opportunities to flow broadly”.
Mr Coates also said the Olympic movement would be “forever indebted to the Premier for her role in securing these Games”.
“She recognised the great legacy the Games will leave Queensland and Australia, giving generations of children in particular the opportunity to dream,” he said.
“We have become close friends and I wish her and her partner Reza all the very best in her retirement.
“I am sure that Premier Palaszczuk will continue to be involved in the delivery of what will be great Games.”
Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan praised Ms Palaszczuk and wished her well in her retirement.
“Thank you for your leadership and compassion,” his Twitter post read.
“You have made Queensland a better place. Because of you, our best days are certainly well and truly ahead of us.”
Opposition leader David Crisafulli has reacted to the news of the Premier’s retirement, saying he wished her well.
“Regardless of politics, nine years as Premier deserves acknowledgment and respect,” he said in a post on X.
“I want to thank @AnnastaciaMP for her service and wish her well in her retirement.” Australian Labor Party national president Wayne Swan described the outgoing Premier as “one of the best”.
“In 2015 Annastacia promised good, decent government for the people of Queensland. That’s exactly what she’s delivered for the last nine years,” he posted on Twitter.
“Congratulations on your premiership. You are truly one of the true Labor greats.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill has described outgoing Premier as one of the best the Queensland has “seen in a long time”.
Cr Hill was surprised by the announcement, but said Ms Palaszczuk has been “under enormous pressure”.
“And not all of her ministers have been as responsive as they should have been to support (her).”
Cr Hill said misogyny had played a big role in Ms Palaszczuk’s term as premier.
“There is still misogyny and men who believe they should have all the power in politics,” she said.
“I think anyone who is strong willed as she was, was always going to meet opposition.
“She was ready to lead the party in Opposition when no one else would, thinking they could never win.
“And she actually pulled – call it a Bradbury event.”
Cr Hill said the Premier had been a champion of the regions and asked for her replacement to be a leader for the whole of Queensland – not just the South East Corner.
“Remember you are governing for all of Queensland,” she said.
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