The Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has announced her retirement from politics.
Palaszczuk made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday following months of speculation about her future.
“Queensland is in good shape,” she told Guardian Australia. “Which is why now is the time for me to leave.”
Palaszczuk will officially step down as premier next week. Her successor – currently a three-way contest between the deputy premier, Steven Miles, the health minister, Shannon Fentiman and treasurer Cameron Dick – is yet to be decided.
Palaszczuk said she made the decision while trying to find a time to take a break with her partner. Her last holiday resulted in her being hounded by some media over when she would be announcing her retirement.
“If you were wondering, I turned my mind to this when I was trying to have a holiday with my partner,” Palaszczuk said.
“Everyone deserves a break.
“Finally, my mind was made up at national cabinet last week when I saw so many new faces.
“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.
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“I have given my all.
Palaszczuk was first elected as premier in 2015, leading Queensland Labor to a victory just one term after the party was reduced to just seven seats.
She became the first woman leader in Australia to be re-elected and led the first majority woman cabinet in Australia.
More to come.
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