Annastacia Palaszczuk responds to reports she’s ‘checked out’ and is a ‘part-time premier’

Annastacia Palaszczuk has issued a defiant response to claims she has “checked out” and is a “part-time premier”.

A defiant Annastacia Palaszczuk has hit back at claims that she has “checked out” and is a “part-time Premier” for Queensland.

It comes after her commitment to the role was questioned when The Australian reported last week that MPs and high-level public servants have grown disgruntled with her tendency to attend social events like walking the red carpet and not focus on the responsibilities of government.

So it was ironically from the red carpet of the TV Week Logie Awards that Ms Palaszczuk calmly responded to the reports when grilled by the media.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her boyfriend Reza Adib on the Logies red carpet. Picture: 7 News

“I work seven days a week,” she said on Sunday night.

“I’ve got a budget coming down, I’m across that, and I’ll be back at my desk first thing tomorrow morning.

“Most of these events are on weekends, so we could be at home watching television but we’re out here doing the job Queenslanders expect me to be doing.”

Ms Palaszczuk arrived at the Logies on the Gold Coast with her Brisbane laparoscopic surgeon boyfriend Reza Adib.

She also responded to former Queensland Labor premier Peter Beattie’s comments, who told The Courier-Mail earlier that day the government needed new innovative policy otherwise the public would see that it is “stale” and “want someone else to have a go”.

“We‘ll always have fresh strategies,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“My team is absolutely committed to Queensland and creating jobs, and when we hand the budget down on Tuesday, watch this space – it’s all about health and families and Queensland.”

Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said the state government is at risk of becoming stale. Picture: Mike Burton

The interview abruptly ended when Ms Palaszczuk walked away while being asked about whether lobbyists had an unfair influence on the government.

The Australian’s report said she “rarely makes a decision” without the blessing of United Workers Union boss Gary Bullock, who has a reputation as the “kingmaker” of the Queensland Labor Party.

Ms Palaszczuk struck a similar tone when she appeared on the Today show earlier on Sunday, saying the claims that she has “checked out” and her government lacks innovation are “definitely not true”.

She also sought to highlight Mr Beattie’s own history of being associated with the bright lights of the entrainment industry.

“Peter Beattie helped set up the screen industry, he used to go LA. I think he was the trade commissioner for LA for a while,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I think he’d love to be here this weekend, but he’s in Sydney.”

Annastacia Palaszczuk and Reza Adib at the premiere of Elvis. Picture: Scott Powick

Ms Palaszczuk and Dr Adib attended the premiere of Elvis, which was filmed entirely on the Gold Coast, earlier this month.

They were also at the Stradbroke Handicap race day at Eagle Farm two Saturdays ago.