MOTION: HON. A PALASZCZUK

I rise to make my contribution to the debate and acknowledge the efforts of our former premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.

I stand in this House because I followed the lead of Annastacia Palaszczuk.

I never expected to be in politics, but I saw her leadership during 2020 amongst the bullying going on and I thought, ‘This is a leader.’

Because of my background in defence and the fire services, she was a leader that I chose.

I chose to follow this leader; it was not imposed on me. I thought, ‘This is a person of great character and great integrity. This is a person who has Queensland at heart. This is a person I could follow. This is a person I admire.’

When I first got into parliament, that all became true because I met Annastacia as a person, as a human being.

As good a leader as she is, it is the person she is that defines her.

She remembers everything about all of us, all of the people who work with her.

She remembers everything about our families.

She inquires about everything. It is never about her. It is always about everyone else. It is always about the state. It is always about her colleagues.

It has been a great privilege. As I said, it was the first time I have ever had to choose someone to follow.

I made the right decision and I stand by that. I am honoured to have served with Annastacia Palaszczuk.