Jacquie Petrusma quits as MP, Minister for Police

The state government has continued to fall apart at the seams after another minister quit both her portfolios and parliament. She’s the fourth to go in less than six months. DETAILS + REACTION >>

The state government has lost a fourth minister in six months after the shock resignation of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Jacquie Petrusma.

The long-serving member for Franklin informed Premier Jeremy Rockliff of her intention to quit over the weekend, citing personal and family reasons.

Her departure leaves the government and opposition numbers equal on the floor of the House of Assembly until a new member is sworn in several days after parliament resumes from the winter recess.

Mr Rockliff announced Ms Petrusma’s departure from the parliament at a suddenly convened media conference in Hobart on Monday.

He praised her work on family and sexual violence and said her contribution would be missed.

“Jacquie has been an absolute trouper for our team over the course of the last 12 years, a very effective shadow minister in opposition, a very effective and reforming Minister in our government since 2014.

“She has delivered with compassion, she has delivered with empathy, she has a great deal of commitment for her electorate of Franklin that she has represented so effectively since her first election in 2010.”

Former Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Jacquie Petrusma. Picture: Chris Kidd

A recount of Ms Petrusma’s votes from the 2021 state election will be held in Franklin. Should they nominate, it will most likely be decided between former Huon mayor Bec Enders, Glenorchy newsagent Dean Young or Clarence Councillor James Walker.

In the fourth cabinet reshuffle this year Mr Rockliff announced member for Braddon Felix Ellis would join cabinet as Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Minister for Resources, and Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth.

“I got into politics to be able to serve my community and this is an opportunity to make a difference on the issues that matter to them,” Mr Ellis said.

Jo Palmer, will take on the portfolio of Prevention of Family Violence and Roger Jaensch will resume the Parks portfolio.

Lara Alexander will become Government Whip.

In a statement, Ms Petrusma said he was proud to have served.

“This has been a challenging decision, but it is the right one for my family, who have provided me with incredible love and support since I was first elected in March 2010,” she said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announces the resignation of Jacquie Petrusma MP at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Being a minister and a member of parliament is an incredible honour and privilege, however, there is no denying that the time required impacts your family.

“As a daughter, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, I need to now more than ever, spend more time with my family and provide extra support.

“I step down knowing that my portfolios and the electorate of Franklin will continue to be well served by a strong, united Liberal Government that I have been immensely proud to be part of.

“I thank Premier Jeremy Rockliff for his leadership, compassion and support. I also thank my former Premiers for the opportunity to serve in their respective Cabinets for nearly six and a half years.”

Liberal party state president Rod Scurrah acknowledged Ms Petrusma’s hard work and service.

“Jacquie has been a strong voice for the community and has contributed to significant policy developments since 2010,” he said.

Former MP Jacquie Petrusma at the Hobart waterfront. Picture: Chris Kidd

“In particular, Jacquie was one of the key architects of the Government’s plans to address domestic violence and to put in place better support for victims of domestic violence.

“It is a tremendous legacy for someone to leave and one that she should be very proud of.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor wished Ms Petrusma all the best.

“I’ve always found Jacquie to be incredibly hard working, decent and compassionate. And I’m certain that she was on the verge of making some very significant changes and necessary changes in the parks portfolio.

“I want to wish Jackie, all the very best and look forward to seeing what she does with her talents.”

But she was less impressed by Mr Ellis’ appointment.

“We now have evidence that the talent pool in government is about two millimetres thick. We’ve got now a junior MP who has been given very significant portfolios,” she said.

“It’s a terrible appointment. And it’s just a sign that the talent pool for this government is far too shallow.”

The former Minister trained at the Launceston General Hospital as a registered nurse and has worked in health since 1984.

She moved to Hobart in 1994 where she lives with her husband Tim and children.