‘Union thugs have got in there and said she is going’: Barnaby Joyce’s bizarre Annastacia Palaszczuk claim

Barnaby Joyce has offered a bizarre theory as to the real reason Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk resigned from the top job.

Barnaby Joyce has claimed “union thugs” are behind the resignation of outgoing Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, while stating her two colleagues will “scratch each other’s eyes out” to become the next leader of the Sunshine State.

Ms Palaszczuk shocked the nation with her announcement on Sunday after nine years of leadership, having led Queensland Labor to victory at three elections since 2015.

The move followed months of speculation amid her party’s falling popularity in the polls.

In an emotional press conference on Sunday, Ms Palaszczuk revealed she had been considering stepping down since taking a short holiday with her partner Reza Adib earlier this year.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday announced she was resigning from her role as party leader. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Tanya Plibersek with host Natalie Barr and Barnaby Joyce on Sunrise. Mr Joyce claimed Ms Palaszczuk was resigning because of ‘union thugs’ telling her to go. Picture: Supplied / Channel 7

“Finally, my mind was made up at national cabinet last week when I saw so many new faces,” she told reporters.

“Renewal is a good thing.”

But Mr Joyce weighed in with his own take during his regular appearance on Channel 7’s Sunrise on Monday, claiming the unions were behind Ms Palaszczuk’s exit.

“I think we know why she has gone. The union thugs have got in there and said she is going full stop,” the Nationals MP and ex-deputy premier told host Natalie Barr.

Mr Joyce claimed her colleagues Cameron Dick and Steven Miles would “scratch each other’s eyes out” to become the next party leader.

He told the program: “They keep saying they will refocus the government. If you will refocus the government, what have we been doing for the last nine years?

“You are part of the government that was not focused.”

Ms Palaszczuk has held power in Queensland for nine years, winning three back-to-back elections since 2015. Picture: Supplied via NCA NewsWire

Despite claiming unions were behind Ms Palaszczuk’s shock exit, Mr Joyce still congratulated her for all her work. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The remarks prompted federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to fire back.

“It is such a negative take on what is an incredible record,” Ms Plibersek said.

“She (Ms Palaszczuk) has been premier for over eight years.

“She is the longest-serving female premier we have had and the only one to be re-elected.”

Mr Joyce still congratulated Ms Palaszczuk for her work, thinking back to the party’s remarkable comeback since the 2012 state election.

“I was there at election night … I spoke to Anna and she was one of seven that were left and a desert place she was in,” he told the program.

“It was remarkable that she became the premier for nine years from that.

“So well done to Anna, but this is not by Anna’s choosing. This is by her union.”

Ms Palaszczuk has held the seat of Inala since 2006, succeeding her father Henry. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

In 2012, Queensland Labor was reduced to just seven of 89 seats after then leader Campbell Newman swept the LNP to power.

Ms Palaszczuk, who had succeeded her father in the western Brisbane seat of Inala in 2006, led Labor back into government in 2015.

At first dubbed the “accidental premier” due to her electoral success that year, she then led her government in back-to-back victories for nine more years.

“When I led this party from an opposition of just seven members, I said that the first election will be like climbing Mt Everest,” Ms Palaszczuk said of her electoral campaigns.

“I went on to climb that mountain twice more (in 2017, and 2020).

“I don’t need to do it again.”

Despite high approval ratings in her first terms as premier, her personal popularity has fallen, according to recent polls.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles has been endorsed as Ms Palaszczuk’s likely successor. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

She has faced criticism for her strict border regime during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and for her government’s handling of major issues like housing and youth crime.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has been endorsed by Ms Palaszczuk as her likely successor.

“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,” she said on Sunday.

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

“Nine years, it feels like an eternity.”

Originally published as ‘Union thugs have got in there and said she is going’: Barnaby Joyce’s bizarre Annastacia Palaszczuk claim