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”.
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“Queensland is in good shape, which is why now is time for me to leave,” Palaszczuk told reporters in an emotional speech.
The outgoing premier said she thought about the option while on holiday and made the final decision at national cabinet.
“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.
She is one of the last leaders, along with ACT’s Chief Minister Andrew Barr, to have led a state or territory through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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.
Palaszczuk said she would finish the week as premier with the next premier of Queensland for caucus to decide on Friday.
“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, and held back tears as she thanked her party, emergency services and the people of Queensland.
“Our best days are well and truly ahead of us.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated Palaszczuk in a tweet, calling the outgoing premier a “trailblazer”.
“You’ve fundamentally changed Queensland for the better,” Minns said.
“Rest up mate — and congrats on a great innings.”
The announcement comes as the state braces for a severe tropical cyclone heading towards Far North Queensland.
It is expected to make landfall on Wednesday this week.