Newly re-elected Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk named a number of first-time MPs today after celebrating her election victory last night with “a glass of wine”.
Freshly-minted MPs, Jimmy Sullivan, Jonty Bush, Ali King and Jason Hunt will represent the electorates of Stafford, Cooper, Pumicestone and Caloundra respectively – in their first roles as members of parliament.
Former Young Australian of the Year, Ms Bush replaces frontbencher Kate Jones in the seat of Cooper, while Mr Sullivan will take over from retiring MP, Dr Anthony Lynham.
“I’m a very strong advocate for voluntary assisted dying,” Mr Sullivan told Nine News, speaking of Labor’s controversial voluntary assisted dying legislation that’s on the agenda for the next parliament.
“I’ve lost both my parents. My father would not have accessed that, but my mother would have.”
While vote counting is still ongoing, Palasczcuk’s Labor Party has secured at least 48 seats in the Sunshine State in what was a convincing win.
Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad lost her South Brisbane seat to Greens candidate, Amy MacMahon.
Ms Palaszczuk has promised to delivery a state budget before Christmas.
“I will work hard for you each and every day and I will repay that trust,” said the Premier.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Deb Frecklington has declare she will remain as her party’s leader.
“I promise that the Liberal National party will continue to play its part in our democracy and I will continue as the leader of this great party,” she told media today.
