Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Australia's longest-serving female premier, will step down after nine years, citing the need for renewal.
Following Mark McGowan and Dan Andrews, Palaszczuk becomes the third state premier to step down this year, leaving Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr as the sole remaining member of the pandemic cabinet.
Palaszczuk's plans to serve out the week as premier, resigning from her seat by year-end.
In a speech, Palaszczuk mentioned contemplating resignation during a recent holiday and finalised her decision at the national cabinet.
Palaszczuk said she was leaving Queensland in good shape. "Today Queensland has one of the strongest economies in the nation, lower taxes, lower debt, low unemployment," the outgoing premier said.