During the COVID-19 pandemic, former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk received an unexpected call from then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison, requesting an exemption for a young woman to attend her father’s funeral in Brisbane. Based on advice from her chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young, Palaszczuk denied the request, resulting in a tense conversation that she later described as intimidating and harsh. In her latest memoir, The Politics of Being Me, she accused Morrison of bullying her during this exchange, which she noted ironically coincided with R U OK Day, a day focused on mental health awareness.
Despite the pressure, Palaszczuk upheld her government’s stringent COVID-19 policies, which she argued were effective — Queensland recorded only seven deaths from the virus and managed limited lockdowns. She reflected on the decisions she made, stating that while she would have liked to keep more families together, the evidence supported her leadership during the crisis.
Palaszczuk’s memoir not only recounts her political challenges but also shares her personal struggles, including a tumultuous beginning to her career, when the Labor Party faced significant losses in 2012, and her subsequent rise to become Queensland’s second female premier in 2015. She candidly discusses her painful journey with endometriosis, infertility, and a miscarriage at age 33, revealing that these personal battles motivated her resilience in the political arena. "Whatever they do to me in politics… it will never hurt like this," she recalls thinking during her darkest hours.
Throughout her political career, which spanned nine years, Palaszczuk experienced the harsh realities of public life, from social media hostility to personal attacks. Nonetheless, she emphasised the importance of staying true to oneself, drawing on the success of her administration during three consecutive elections.
In reflection, Palaszczuk acknowledged the brutal nature of politics and the need for individuals in the field to develop a thick skin. As she transitions out of public life, she highlights both her victories and personal losses, underscoring the duality of her experiences in leadership and the challenges that accompany it.
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