Queensland’s Attorney-General will not recontest the October state election

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has announced she will not stand at the October state election.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has announced she will retire from politics at the October state election.

Making the announcement on social media, Ms D’Ath said her decision had “not been made lightly”.

“A decade ago to the day, I entered politics for a second time after winning the by-election in the seat of Redcliffe,” she wrote.

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath has announced she will retire in October. Picture: Facebook

Ms D'Ath entered state parliament in 2014 after losing her federal seat at the 2013 election. Picture: Facebook

“As I mark this milestone, I want to share with you that I have decided not to recontest the seat of Redcliffe in the upcoming election.

“My decision to not recontest is based on many considerations, but not least that it is time to try to find more balance in my life, to allow myself to look after me, after what will almost be 17 years of serving the people of Queensland.”

“Firstly, I want to thank the former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for her friendship, leadership and her support over the past 10 years.

“I also want to acknowledge and thank Premier Steven Miles for his support over many years, including during my time as health minister.”

Ms Palaszczuk quit as premier late last year.

Ms D’Ath was close to former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (right) who quit late last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The member for Redcliffe said there was still “much work to do” in her portfolio and she would continue to engage with the various sectors.

“The past 16 years have been the most extraordinary experience of my working career,” she wrote.

“To serve as an elected member at any level of government is a privilege.

“But to be one of the few citizens of this country to have served in both federal and Queensland parliaments, and to have done so as someone who left school at 15, is an honour.”

Ms D’Ath said she was “excited to embark on new opportunities and find ways to continue to grow professionally”.

“I have reached the conclusion that the time is right.”

Ms D’Ath was the state’s health minister during the Covid-19 crisis before being made Attorney-General under Steven Miles. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“My son Cameron and daughter Emma, who were only 4 and 6 when I won federal preselection and are now 21 and 23. I look forward to enjoying the opportunity to watch them make their own way in this world.

“And I thank the people of Redcliffe. It’s an extraordinary community made up of passionate, hardworking and generous people.”

Ms D’Ath will remain as Attorney-General until the election.

Premier Steven Miles said there was a lot of work under way in the portfolio.

“With eight months it would be difficult for somebody to get across that work and make sure that it landed in time so I think it’s entirely appropriate that Yvette continues to deliver on those commitments,” he said.