Australia responds to Mark McGowan’s resignation

Australia has reacted following the sensational resignation of Western Australia’s Premier Mark McGowan.

Australia has reacted to the shock resignation of West Australian Premier Mark McGowan, who announced on Monday he would depart the role at the end of the week.

McGowan cited exhaustion for his decision, which he said he had been contemplating for “quite a while”, particularly off the back of the challenging “Covid years”.

Political peers responded online after he delivered the news in a press conference at 2.45pm AEST, with many empathising with the outgoing leader.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described her colleague as a “strong leader”.

“Mark McGowan has worked tirelessly as the Premier of Western Australia. He’s been a strong leader for his state, particularly during the pandemic. It has been a pleasure working with Mark. Wishing him all the best in his next chapter,” she wrote in a tweet.

Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews credited McGowan for always sticking to his values.

“Mark McGowan led his state through a 1-in-100 year crisis, and worked hard to deliver every single day.

“At National Cabinet I saw Mark stick to his values, and above all, put the people of WA first.

“Congratulations comrade. I wish you and Sarah all the best,” he said.

Mark McGowan announced his decision to resign on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Philip Gostelow

Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Environment and Water, likened McGowan to a “political rock star”.

“No one loves and fights for Western Australia like Mark McGowan. Determined, progressive, hard working, and fair. A great leader with a lot to be proud of. Walking down the street with him is like hanging out with a political rock star. Thanks Mark McGowan,” she tweeted.

NDIS minister Bill Shorten paid a special tribute to McGowan.

Let’s normalise this.

Leaders ought to be able to leave when they recognise they’ve put in all they’ve got.

Good job to Peter Gutwein, Jacinda Ardern and now Mark McGowan for deciding you’ve given the public life enough.

— Rhys Parton (@RhysParton) May 29, 2023

“Congratulations to my friend Mark McGowan – amazing innings. You left WA better off than you found it, that’s all anyone can ask,” he wrote.

Labor Stephen Jones MP also shared a kind message and gave McGowan his “best wishes”.

“Decent, hard working and accomplished – Mark McGowan leaves a magnificent legacy and we are grateful for his service,” he tweeted.

Journalist Victoria Fielding said McGowan was “an absolute legend”.

“Mark McGowan is an absolute legend. He withstood monumental political pressure urging him to open WA borders before it was safe, but held out so WA had lowest death rate in Australia. I can imagine he’s exhausted. Sad to see him go but congrats on a job well done Mark,” she wrote.

McGowan said the gruelling job had left him exhausted. Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Labor member for Perth Patrick Gorman said McGowan left an “incredible legacy” behind.

“Thank you Mark McGowan. He has done so much for our State, our people and our Party. I wish Mark, Sarah and their family the absolute best for the future,” he tweeted.

Among his achievements were “Metronet, one vote one value, TAFE investment and returning the WA Budget to surplus”, he added.

“He stood up to Clive Palmer and he stood up for WA time and time again. I am grateful for Mark’s support and the fun of campaigning alongside him.”

Labor Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Peter Foster also expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you Premier Mark McGowan for your strong leadership of our state through the pandemic, which in turn has kept our economy strong driving jobs and economic growth. Thank you for support Regional WA and personally thank you for your advice and guidance. All the best with whatever comes next for you, Sarah and your children,” he wrote.

Not everyone was thrilled with McGowan’s work as premier, with some celebrating his resignation and criticising his Covid policies.

He was described as “nutty” by right-wing libertarian John Ruddick MLC.

“Don’t worry Mark McGowan … you’ll be back in the spotlight when we have a Covid Royal Commission. Your nutty extremism will be thoroughly and publicly examined,” he tweeted.

Writer Rebekah Barnett tweeted her joy at McGowan stepping down.

“Praise be! WA Premier and tyrant of ages Mark McGowan is stepping down,” she said.