Palaszczuk begins post-politics life in new role

Annastacia Palaszczuk will begin a new chapter five months after leaving office as Qld premier.

Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she is “very happy” with her life post-politics as she prepares to step into a new role.

However, she has remained coy on whether she will join her successor Steven Miles on the campaign trail for the October state election.

Ms Palaszczuk is set to begin a new chapter five months after leaving office as Australia’s longest-serving female premier.

In her first role since ending her nine year reign with a tearful December resignation, Ms Palaszczuk will take on an international ambassadorial role for a renewable energy body.

Her first assignment for independent not-for-profit Smart Energy Council will be leading a delegation to China in June.

“When you leave politics you want to pursue interests that you feel strongly about,” she told ABC Radio Brisbane.

“I’m very passionate about this industry and it’s something that I think I can add to their line of work.”

The new role is not full-time but Ms Palaszczuk would not say whether she would have time to join the new premier Steven Miles on his election campaign.

Mr Miles took over the reins as the state’s 40th premier but trailed in the most recent poll, with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli on track for a Queensland election victory.

Ms Palaszczuk knows all about an election win, becoming the first Australian female premier to claim three terms.

But asked about appearing on the campaign trail with Mr Miles, she said: “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing.

“I have served as premier for nearly nine years – it was a great honour and a great privilege – I love the Queensland community, I love my job, but now it is time to do other things.

“I’ll let other people comment on domestic state politics. That’s not my role.”

Ms Palaszczuk said spending time with her partner, family and friends has been the key to enjoying life post-politics.

The former premier said she was approached by Smart Energy Council and took on the role, buoyed by their ambition and her own interest in the industry.

“I’m very proud to be appointed as the international ambassador,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“My first job will be to lead a trade delegation over to China to see the new innovations that are happening.

“The federal government is looking at providing more made in Australia and I absolutely believe that we can do more of that here, especially in the renewable energy sector.”