Queensland’s health minister during the Covid pandemic Yvette D’Ath announces her resignation from politics at next election

Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath will quit politics, saying she will not stand in the next state election.

The Redcliffe MP will continue in her role until the October election before the curtain is drawn on a political career spanning nearly two decades.

‘My decision not to contest again is based on many considerations, but not least that it is time to try to find more balance in my life, to allow myself to take care of me after what is almost 17 years of serving the people of Queensland,” she posted on Facebook.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and comes with some sadness, but also excitement about the journey I will take next.”

Ms D’Ath said the time was right to run, having served as federal Labor member for Petrie from 2007 to 2013, before winning a by-election for the state seat of Redcliffe a decade ago.

“By October 2024, I would have served almost 17 years, having entered Federal Parliament in November 2007,” she said.

“While I know I still have the passion and drive to continue to serve the people of Queensland, I believe it is better to leave politics if people are still asking me to stay, rather than telling me to I have to go.

‘I am also excited to seize new opportunities and find ways to continue growing professionally and to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired over so many years, in so many different roles, to chart a new direction for myself stipple.’

There could be a busy eight months ahead for Ms D’Ath, who set out to achieve an “ambitious agenda” before leaving politics.

‘There is still a lot of work to do in my portfolio and I look forward to continuing my engagement across sectors, including the domestic violence, family violence and sexual violence sectors, to deliver the reforms needed to deliver real change for the people of Queensland. ‘ she said.

Ms D’Ath thanked former Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, who resigned in December, along with her successor Steven Miles.

Yvette D’Ath (right) with Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr. John Gerrard (left) at a news conference in January 2022 when she was the state’s health minister

Mr Miles said he wanted Ms D’Ath to remain in the ministry until the election.

“She has a lot of work to do, much of which needs to be done in time for the election, and so I welcome the commitment she has made to stay on and complete that work,” he said.

“I certainly look forward to continuing to work with her until October and remaining her friend for a long time to come.”

Ms D’Ath was previously attorney general before former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk appointed her health minister following the 2020 Queensland state election.

She then rose to national profile as she oversaw the state’s sometimes controversial response to the pandemic, including lockdowns and strict border closures, before returning as attorney general in May 2023.