The Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, has announced that he will retire later this week.
Beattie has been Labor Premier since June 1998, winning re-election in 2001, 2004 and 2006. He will retire as the second longest-serving Labor Premier of Queensland. William Forgan Smith served for 10 years from 1932 until 1942.
- Listen to Beattie’s Resignation Press Conference (23m – part only):
This is the text of Peter Beattie’s resignation statement.
I indicated in late June that I would be considering my future over the next 12 months. Well I’ve done that. And it’s now time; it’s time for renewal.
And therefore I’ve indicated to my cabinet colleagues, and my caucus colleagues and my workmates that I’ll be resigning as premier as of 10am Thursday. There will be a special caucus meeting on Wednesday at 11am to elect a new leader.