Peter Gutwein quits politics leaving Tasmanian Liberals to pick new Premier
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Loading... - Noah Taylor
- 04 Apr 2022
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Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has announced he is resigning from politics, saying he can "no longer give 110 per cent".
At a press conference in Launceston on Monday, Mr Gutwein said: "I've focused on everyone else's family, I now want to spend some time focusing on my own."
"It is with some sadness that I leave, but I know the foundations that have been laid, the path has been laid out that a new leader will be able to make their own, and importantly, make their own decisions moving forward," he said.
The 57-year-old said he would remain Premier until the Liberal Party elected his replacement later this week.
He said Parliament would be prorogued until after Easter.
Mr Gutwein detailed the toll that the last two years had taken on him, with much of his time dedicated to managing the COVID pandemic.
"What I've found after the last two years especially is I have nothing left in the tank to give," Mr Gutwein said.
"Unless you can give 110 per cent to the role of premier, you should not be doing this job, and I can no longer give 110 per cent."
Mr Gutwein said the demands of the job had significantly restricted his time with his family over summer.
"My wife and kids have just been outstanding in their support, but that period through Christmas completely drained me," he said.
There will be a recount in the seat of Bass for his replacement in state parliament.
"I know that I leave the state in a good place and with a team that can build on the foundations that have been made," he said.
In August 2021, Mr Gutwein was admitted to hospital after becoming unwell at his office.
He was released the next day and took several days off to recover from what was an undisclosed illness.
Peter Gutwein announces he is quitting politics.
Mr Gutwein was elected by the Tasmanian Liberals to replace Will Hodgman in January 2020, after Mr Hodgman quit politics.
He hails from Tasmania's north, is a qualified black belt instructor in Tae Kwon Do and a former footballer.
Morrison's praise for 'invaluable contribution'
In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Gutwein "did not put a foot wrong" in his response to the COVID pandemic.
"He leaves politics with a world-best response to COVID and a Tasmanian economy thriving with jobs at a record high.
"As Prime Minister and beforehand as treasurer, I have always respected the way Peter has demonstrated strength and compassion in his leadership, delivering jobs and lifting communities," Mr Morrison said.
"Public life demands a great deal from all of us. Peter has come to the realisation that he has given it his all. Not only a public figure, Peter is a husband and father as well and he knows where he has to be.
"On behalf of his federal colleagues, I wish him and his wife Mandy, and children Finn and Millie, all the best for the next chapter in their life together."
Abetz surprised, White wishes well
In a statement, Tasmanian Liberals president Rod Scurrah said Mr Gutwein "led Tasmania with distinction through the COVID outbreak that would soon follow and would dominate Peter's premiership".
"Peter and his wife, Mandy, and children, Millie and Finn, have given up so much over the past 20 years, and in particular over the past two years. It's only fair that Peter now gets to spend more time with his loved ones."
Tasmanian Opposition Leader Rebecca White said she thanked Mr Gutwein for his service to the people of Tasmania.
"Mr Gutwein has governed through some of the most difficult times as Tasmanian faced the scourge of COVID-19," she said.
"I wish him and his family well for the future."
Senior Liberal senator Eric Abetz paid tribute to "an outstanding premier" saying Mr Gutwein took the reins unexpectedly when former leader Will Hodgman resigned.
"It is a sad day for Tasmania but it is fully understandable that he wants more time to spend time with his family," he said.
"Tasmania will be worse off for not having him but I have no doubt the parliamentary Liberal Party will elect a good successor for him."
"A big, big thank your to Peter from the Tasmanian community and to his family for making him available 24/7 in these exceptional times."
Senator Abetz said he was "shocked and surprised" at the news.
"Even at midday today I was not aware that was even in the offing," he said.
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said she wished Mr Gutwein "all the best for life after politics".
"While Peter Gutwein and I have had a mixed professional relationship, particularly since the border reopening, I do respect the work ethic he has demonstrated over a 20-year parliamentary career," she said.
"After 20 years of hard slog and public service, I hope the next 20 years are filled with laughter, love and fulfilment for Tasmania's 46th Premier."
Abuse survivors have paid their own tribute to Mr Gutwein, who revealed earlier this month that he was himself a victim of child sexual abuse.
Steve Fisher from lobby group Beyond Abuse said Mr Gutwein's legacy would be the Commission of Inquiry investigating child sexual abuse and the response of Tasmanian government institutions.
"Peter has been there for survivors from when he first entered politics and that is something not a lot of people can say.
"We are going to miss Peter Gutwein because of the fact that he really understood what was going on and he really had a passion for it.
"We are going to miss that fight, that absolute understanding, however I also know that they [the Liberal Party] will regroup, they will be a force as far as survivors go."
Bouquets from Aboriginal, LGBTIQ+ communities
Heather Sculthorpe from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre praised Mr Gutwein for his work on Indigenous issues, particularly the Treaty and Truth Telling initiative.
She said her community did not always agree with him but they wished him well.
"We'll be sad to see him leave, he could talks to us, we knew him," she said. Read More..
