Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, 57-year-old, has announced his resignation. He has cited family reasons and the pressure of governing through the COVID19 pandemic for this decision.
At a press conference in Launceston, Mr Gutwein told media:
“I’ve focused on everyone else’s family, I now want to spend some time focusing on my own.”
He further added:
“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.”
Mr Gutwein thanked his wife Mandy, and children Finn and Millie, for their support:
“My wife and kids have just been outstanding in their support. But that period through Christmas completely drained me … I’ve got nothing left in the tank to give.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Gutwein was leaving public life with great respect.
“Peter did not put a foot wrong. As Treasurer since 2014, Peter along with former Premier Will Hodgman was the architect of Tasmania’s economic revival. He leaves politics with a world-best response to COVID and a Tasmanian economy thriving with jobs at a record high.”
In a statement, Tasmanian Liberals president Rod Scurrah said:
“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.”
Mr Gutwein would remain Premier until the Liberal Party elected his replacement later this week.
He holds the office of Tasmania’s Premier and Treasurer as well as tourism and climate change portfolios.
