Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to retire from politics

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is to quit politics.

The Queensland Premier made the shock announcement on Sunday following months of speculation she was on her way out after nine years in power.

She will officially step down as Premier next week and has thrown her support behind her deputy, Steven Miles, to succeed her.

It follows months of speculation on her future.

“Queensland is in good shape,” she said. “Which is why now is the time for me to leave.”

It was reported that Ms Palaszczuk will officially step down as premier next week..

“My mind was made up at National Cabinet last week when I saw so many new faces,” she said.

“Renewal is a good thing.

“When I led this party from an opposition of just seven members, I said that first election would be like climbing Mt Everest.

“I went on to climb that mountain twice more. I don’t need to do it again.”

Ms Palaszczuk has been Premier since 2015, having succeeded her father Henry in the western Brisbane seat.

She became a contentious figure during the COVID pandemic, where she implemented strict border controls that ultimately led to low levels of the virus in the community for much of 2020 and 2021.

She recorded high approval ratings among voters and overwhelmingly defeated the Coalition in the 2020 election.

Ms Palaszczuk was the first woman leader in Australia to be re-elected.

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

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

“Nine years, it feels like an eternity.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ms Palaszczuk had made her mark on Queensland.

“She retires as a Labor hero, a three time election winner, Australia’s longest-serving female Premier and — above all else — a champion for Queenslanders,” he said.

“From the moment she made history with her extraordinary 2015 election victory, Annastacia Palaszczuk has served Queensland with fierce pride in her state and a powerful determination to deliver for people.

“So much of her legacy, in everything from housing and skills to hospital funding and the NDIS, reflects the strength of her Labor values and her conviction and confidence on the national stage.

“Annastacia leaves office rightly proud of all she has achieved and – as ever – thinking of what is best for Queensland and its future. I wish her all the very best for her future.”