Mackay and Whitsunday civic leaders respond to Palaszczuk’s resignation announcement

A regional MP says the premier’s decision to step down made it clear “she doesn’t want to go down with a sinking ship”, while a regional mayor believes it will be a tumultuous lead up to the 2024 election.

A Mackay region MP says the Queensland Premier’s decision to resign made it clear “she doesn’t want to go down with a sinking ship”.

Earlier today, November 10, Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would be stepping down from the top job in Queensland politics, finishing at the end of next week, saying “the time was right” for her resignation.

“I think it’s very, very clear that the captain didn’t want to go down with a singing ship,” Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said on Sunday after the news broke.

“I wish all the best for her.

“I think it’s clear that she’s been distracted.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing her retirement from politics. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Willcox said it would have been too difficult for Ms Palaszczuk to continue as premier “with so many things going wrong” citing “the healthcare debacle”, out-of-control crime, and cost blowouts as examples.

“She tried her best to reshuffle … didn’t work when you don’t have the depth in your team.”

When asked, Mr Willcox said he did not know who would step up to take the reins.

“There’s just not the depth within her government at the moment … she’s been a one-man band,” he said.

Dawson MP Andrew Willcox. Picture: Contributed

Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew believed the three contenders for the top job were Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and Treasurer Cameron Dick and that the party had already made a decision.

“They’re going to always make sure the succession plan was in place prior to her stepping down,” Mr Andrew said.

“That would have already been determined prior to the unseating of the premier herself.

“It will be a very turbulent time internally for the factions to try and come to some sort of agreement.”

Stephen Andrew MP for Mirani Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

Mr Andrew said with the Labor Party under new leadership people should “rethink their votes” because it would be a “new premier with a new vision”.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said it had been a tough year for the premier.

“Given the political machinations while she was overseas on holidays, this end result is not surprising,” Mr Williamson said.

“I hope she herself is settled, as Premier of Queensland she has done a great job.

“She led a party at a time when the member of the Labor Party and the government could fit into the back of a Kombi van.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Picture: Heidi Petith

“She brought them from that wilderness to several terms of power.

“From a personal perspective I always found her honourable … tough but willing to listen.

“I have a great deal of respect for the lady … that’s politics, it’s a shame to see her go.”

Mr Williamson said it “remains to be seen what sort of a shake up there will be”.

“What impact any new leadership, any new leader can have in the 11 months that are left … it’s too early for us to form an opinion,” he said.

The difficulty was, he said, there had already been one major shake-up within the party this year.

“If there is another shake up, it will make continuing projects very difficult to achieve,” he said.

“I think it will be a tumultuous lead up to the 2024 October election.”

This publication also contacted Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm for comment.

Originally published as Mackay and Whitsunday civic leaders respond to Palaszczuk’s resignation announcement