Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced she will resign as Queensland premier.
Palaszczuk made the announcement at a press conference just after 11am on Sunday, saying that it was “time to leave”.
“Queensland is in good shape, which is why now is time for me to leave,” Palaszczuk told reporters in an emotional speech.
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“When I lead this party from an opposition of just seven members I said that the first election will be like climbing Mount Everest.
“I went on to climb that mountain twice more, I don’t need to do it again.
“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon.”
Palaszczuk was the 39th premier of Queensland after first being elected in 2015.
She was sworn in for a third term as Premier of Queensland on November 12, 2020 and was made minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
“Standing up for the people of Queensland has been the honour of my life,” she said.
“I don’t think that anyone who comes after me will know how humbling it is to travel this state and meet so many amazing people.
“I will finish the end of this week as premier.
“Soon the people of Queensland will have their say.
“I have fought the good fight, I have given everything, now is the time for me to find out what else life has to offer.”
Palaszczuk said her family are looking forward to having her home.
“Our best days are well and truly ahead of us.”
The announcement comes as a severe tropical cyclone heads towards the Far North Queensland coast.
It is expected to make landfall on Wednesday next week.
More to come…