Annastacia Palaszczuk
Annastacia Palaszczuk (/ˈpæləʃeɪ/ ⓘ PAL-ə-shay, Polish: Annastacia Pałaszczuk, pronounced [anːaˈstat͡ɕa paˈwaʂʈ͡ʂuk]; born 25 July 1969) is an Australian politician who served as the 39th premier of Queensland from 2015 to 2023. She held office as the leader of the Queensland branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) from 2012 until her resignation, and has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland (MLA) for the division of Inala since 2006. Palaszczuk is the fifth-most tenured premier in Queensland state history and the first woman to win the premiership from opposition, she also presided over the first majority female cabinet in Australian state and federal history.
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP | |
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Palaszczuk in 2016 | |
| 39th Premier of Queensland | |
| In office 14 February 2015 – 15 December 2023 | |
| Monarchs | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governor | Paul de Jersey Jeannette Young |
| Deputy | Jackie Trad Steven Miles |
| Preceded by | Campbell Newman |
| Succeeded by | Steven Miles |
| Leader of the Labor Party in Queensland | |
| In office 28 March 2012 – 15 December 2023 | |
| Deputy | Tim Mulherin Jackie Trad Steven Miles |
| Preceded by | Anna Bligh |
| Succeeded by | Steven Miles |
| Leader of the Opposition in Queensland | |
| In office 28 March 2012 – 14 February 2015 | |
| Premier | Campbell Newman |
| Deputy | Tim Mulherin |
| Preceded by | Jeff Seeney |
| Succeeded by | Lawrence Springborg |
| Minister for Transport | |
| In office 21 February 2011 – 26 March 2012 | |
| Premier | Anna Bligh |
| Preceded by | Rachel Nolan |
| Succeeded by | Scott Emerson |
| Minister for Multicultural Affairs | |
| In office 26 March 2009 – 26 March 2012 | |
| Premier | Anna Bligh |
| Preceded by | Lindy Nelson-Carr |
| Succeeded by | Jack Dempsey |
| Minister for Disability Services | |
| In office 26 March 2009 – 21 February 2011 | |
| Premier | Anna Bligh |
| Preceded by | Lindy Nelson-Carr |
| Succeeded by | Curtis Pitt |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inala | |
| In office 9 September 2006 – 31 December 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Palaszczuk |
| Succeeded by | Margie Nightingale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 July 1969 Durack, Queensland, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
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| Cabinet | Palaszczuk Ministry |
| Signature | |
Palaszczuk was a political adviser before her election to the Legislative Assembly, succeeding her father Henry Palaszczuk in the seat of Inala. She held several roles in the Bligh Government from 2009 to 2012, when Queensland Labor suffered a historic defeat. One of only seven remaining Labor Assembly Members, Palaszczuk was elected unopposed as the Leader of Queensland Labor, becoming Leader of the Opposition.
Despite Labor's heavy loss in 2012, Palaszczuk led Labor to victory at the 2015 election, becoming the first woman in Australian history to become a state premier from opposition. Her first ministry was majority female, also a first in Australia. She went on to lead Labor to increased majorities at the 2017 and 2020 elections, making her the first Australian female premier to win three terms.
On 10 December 2023, Palaszczuk announced her resignation as Premier. She resigned as Premier on Friday 15 December and left parliament at the end of the month.