Kate Jones: Gold Coast leaders pay tribute to Tourism Minister after retirement announcement

There are calls for Kate Jones to become the next Gold Coast mayor as tributes flow for the Tourism Minister following her shock retirement from State Parliament.

TRIBUTES are flowing to outgoing state Tourism Minister Kate Jones after she announced her shock retirement from parliament on Thursday afternoon.

Ms Jones, who was hailed as the “Minister the Gold Coast” for her strong connection to the city, will exit state politics at the October 31 election.

Minister Kate Jones. Picture: Adam Head

Mayor Tom Tate, who worked closely with Ms Jones, praised his close friend for her work.

“In my years as Mayor, we served together to deliver the Commonwealth Games and it has been my utmost privilege to work for the betterment of the Gold Coast and southeast Queensland together,” he said.

“People ask me what I think about her and quite simply she earned my trust and delivered, something which is a rare quality in modern-day politics.

“I am privileged she counts me as one of her friends and both Ruth and I look forward to catching up with Kate and Paul.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Kate Jones worked together closely. Picture: Jerad Williams

Cr Tate, who was re-elected in March, said Ms Jones would “make a wonderful mayor of the Gold Coast” if she chose to run.

“They say when one door shuts, another one opens and I sense there are many doors on the Gold Coast which would be open to her,” he said.

“With her positive attitude and bright personality and boundless ideas, she would make a wonderful Mayor of the Gold Coast.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Ms Jones would “make a great mayor of the Gold Coast”. Picture: Jerad Williams

Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan, a close friend of the Minister, said he was deeply saddened by her looming retirement.

“She has given it her all and has been a particularly good Minister but with a young family and a great husband, obviously it is time to have a change of direction,” he said.

“I want to thank her for what she has personally done for the Gold Coast in particular since she has been Minister.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones and Destination Gold Coast boss Paul Donovan. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“She was there through many exciting development in the past 14 years and was there for the Commonwealth Games and put us on the map globally and has always been a supporter for all things Gold Coast.

“It is a surprise and I am sad she will be going but the best things never last forever.”

Ms Jones has been Tourism Minister since the election of the Palaszczuk Government in January 2015.

She served as Commonwealth Games Minister during its first year and was brought back to the role to replace Stirling Hinchliffe in 2017.

Tourism leaders say she played a critical role in the success of the event.

Kate Jones has been Tourism Minister for the past five years. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

Village Roadshow theme parks COO Bikash Randhawa paid tribute to Ms Jones, who he declared had been a “light” for the city during the dark days of the COVID-19 crisis.

“It is quite sad – she is someone who has so much energy and enthusiasm. She was a light which was needed especially during this period.

“We are heartbroken, what a shame for tourism. The next person to hold the role will have big shoes to fill.”

Mr Randhawa said he hoped the next Tourism Minister would be a Gold Coast-based MP.

“Tourism is so critical to this city and it is so important to have the right person lobbying for us at all times,” he said.

Gold Coast political observers have been left shocked by Ms Jones’ departure, with one eulogising her career as the “best premier Queensland never had”.

Broadwater MP and Opposition tourism spokesman David Crisafulli wished Ms Jones well.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a hardworking, or more charming politician,” he said.

“I sincerely wish her well and all the very best for the future.”

Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane worked closely with Ms Jones to deliver the AFL hubs which allowed the code to continue playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The businessman said he was shocked by her retirement but praised Ms Jones as a “talented Minister”.

“Every meeting I ever had with Kate I got the strong impressive that she was committed to the Gold Coast and she certainly always gave us attention and time,” he said.

“She really was the Minister for the Gold Coast and she will have huge shoes to fill.

‘Kate played a massive role behind the scenes in getting the AFL hubs up here and a big part in the state winning the grand finals.”