Health minister Shannon Fentiman nominates herself for Queensland Premier

Health minister Shannon Fentiman has nominated herself for the role of Queensland Premier, after Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would be leaving politics.

On Saturday, the long-serving Labor Premier announced she would resign as Premier by the end of the week.

Ms Fentiman said she informed the Premier via text message of her intention to nominate for the role, while also thanking her for her service to the state.

“Now is the time and that means we may have to do some things differently and I believe I’m in the best place to lead that change, and so I’ll be nominating to be the next Premier of this great state,” Ms Fentiman told reporters on Monday afternoon.

The health minister will go up against the Premier’s endorsed candidate, Deputy Premier Steven Miles who she indicated would be her likely successor.

“Steven has been a fantastic, steadfast deputy. He is strong, and what you see is what you get, he is compassionate as well,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Saturday.

“I worked very closely with Steven, particularly during Covid. And I strongly endorse him to be the next premier.”

The health minister said she has the “utmost respect” for Mr Miles but said she also had significant support from within her party to contest the leadership.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have significant support within the party,” she said.

“Those conversations will continue over coming days but I wouldn’t be putting my hand if I didn’t believe I was the right person to take us to the election and I didn’t have significant support.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick is another likely contender for the leadership position, though he has yet to make the announcement of his nomination.

The nominations will open on Tuesday ahead of a caucus meeting on Friday when the party will vote on who their next leader will be.

Ms Fentiman said she had “fought to deliver change” in every ministerial portfolio she has held in this government including as the Attorney-General, Small Business (during the pandemic) and Ambulance Services.

“I got into politics to make a difference and that’s what drives me each and every day,” she said.

“We need a refreshed approach, a government with fresh ideas and energy, one anchored in Labor values with robust cabinet processes.

“That’s the kind of government I want to show Queensland in the year ahead.”

Ms Fentiman admitted the Labor government must be “mature enough” to say when they have “fallen short” and how important it is that they listen to Queenslanders.

“The next election is going to be tough but I am the right person to lead us,” she said.

During an emotional press conference over the weekend, the Premier announced she would be hanging up her boots after almost eight years in the top job.

“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to community service, there’s no greater honour.

“Nine years, it feels like an eternity.”