Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has nominated herself for the role of Premier of Queensland after Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she was leaving politics.
On Saturday, the Labor Prime Minister announced that she would resign as Prime Minister by the end of the week.
Ms Fentiman said she informed the Prime Minister via text message of her intention to nominate for the role, while also thanking her for her services to the state.
“Now is the time and that means we may have to do some things differently and I believe I am in the best place to lead that change, which is why I will nominate to be the next Prime Minister of this great state,” said Ms Fentiman told reporters on Monday afternoon.
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman (pictured) has nominated herself for the role of state premier following the shock resignation of Annastacia Palaszczuk
The health minister will face the prime minister's approved candidate, Deputy Prime Minister Steven Miles, who she said would be her likely successor.
“Steven has been a fantastic, steadfast deputy. He is strong, and what you see is what you get, he is also compassionate,” Palaszczuk said on Saturday.
'I have worked very closely with Steven, especially during Covid. And I strongly support him as the next Prime Minister.”
The Health Secretary said she has the “utmost respect” for Mr Miles, but said she also had significant support from within her party to contest the leadership.
“I wouldn't be here if I didn't have significant support within the party,” she said.
Ms Fentimen will face Ms Palaszczuk's preferred candidate, Deputy Prime Minister Steven Miles (pictured)
“Those conversations will continue in the coming days, but I wouldn't raise my hand if I didn't believe I was the right person to take us to the election and that I didn't have significant support.”
Treasurer Cameron Dick is another likely contender for the leadership position, although he has yet to announce his appointment.
Nominations open on Tuesday, ahead of a caucus meeting on Friday, when the party will vote on who their next leader will be.
Ms Fentiman said she has “fought to deliver change” in every ministerial portfolio she has held in this government, including as attorney general, small businesses (during the pandemic) and ambulance services.
“I got into politics to make a difference and that's what drives me every day,” she said.
Ms Palaszczuk (pictured) led the state for almost a decade before announcing her departure on Saturday
'We need a renewed approach, a government with fresh ideas and energy, a government anchored in Labor values with robust cabinet processes.
“That's the kind of government I want Queensland to see in the coming year.”
Ms Fentiman admitted the Labor government needs to be “mature enough” to say when it has “fallen short” and how important it is that it listens to Queenslanders.
“The next elections will be tough, but I am the right person to lead us,” she said.
During an emotional press conference last weekend, the Prime Minister announced that she would throw in the towel after almost eight years in the top job.
“I gave it my all and ran a marathon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I have dedicated my entire life to community service, and there is no greater honor.
'Nine years, it feels like an eternity.'