Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has a unique opportunity to lead Queensland through the state’s first four-year fixed term with an increased majority after the recent election. At this critical time the big decisions her government makes will shape Queensland’s future for many years to come. She is already Australia’s longest-serving female Premier and by mid-year will be the longest-serving female head of Government in Australia’s history. What does Annastacia Palaszczuk want her legacy to be? 

This conversation with veteran journalist Kerry O’Brien discussed the big policy challenges facing Queensland as the pandemic hopefully recedes–economic, social, environmental–and how Premier Palaszczuk intends to confront them. Kerry also explored her motivation, influences and style of leadership.  

Annastacia Palaszczuk 

The Member for Inala since 2006, Ms. Palaszczuk took the leadership of the Queensland ALP in 2012 and led the party back to government in 2015 after holding just seven seats in the previous parliament. It was the first time a woman had led a party to win government from opposition in Australia. Leading at the time of COVID-19, Ms. Palaszczuk acted decisively and her government was rewarded in October 2020 with a third four-year term. She increased her majority, a first in recent state history.