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Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reveals first role
since leaving 17-year politics career
(HTM) Source
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Annastacia Palaszczuk will join the advocacy group Smart Energy
Council (SEC) as an international ambassador in her first role since
exiting politics in December.
The former Queensland premier's new gig comes after a 17-year stint in
politics which included eight in the Sunshine State's top job.
The new role was announced by the SEC on Wednesday with the ex-Labor
politician expressing her deep admiration for the advocacy group.
"I have always had the greatest respect for the work of the Smart
Energy Council. I admire their passion and commitment to building a
smart energy future," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Australia can and must be a renewables and critical minerals
powerhouse, working closely with other nations to help decarbonise the
global economy, and with the Smart Energy Council. I look forward to
helping make that a reality."
In her new role, Ms Palaszczuk's first project will be leading the
SEC's delegation to China from June 10 to 16.
A note shared with SEC stakeholders said the former politician was not
expected to have any formal engagement with the Queensland government
throughout her role.
SEC's chief executive John Grimes said the council was thrilled to
have Ms Palaszczuk join amid her long record of serving the country.
"Annastacia is a great Australian, with an extraordinary record of
service and achievement," he said.
"I know she will be a powerful voice for Australia's smart energy
industry as we strengthen our industry partnerships across the globe."
The ex-premier will join Climate 200 founder and political activist
Simon Holmes à Court on the SEC.
While in government, Ms Palaszczuk spoke at an event organised by the
council called Stimulus Summit: A Renewables-led Economic Recovery.
"I'm very excited about the future for Queensland when it comes to
renewable energy," Ms Palaszczuk told delegates at the 2020 event.
"I'm very proud of what we've achieved through our renewable energy
policies.
"This year we are on track to exceed 20 per cent of energy generation
from renewables and the number of jobs supported has more than
doubled.
"It's a great story up here in Queensland. This has involved $6
billion worth of investment, 5,300 construction jobs to build 3,240
megawatts of renewable energy capacity."
Ms Palaszczuk's appointment comes two weeks after revelations the
former politician hired Sydney-based celebrity agent Max Markson as
her publicist.
PR guru Mr Markson has organised speaking tours for an array of world
leaders and celebrities including Mike Tyson, Bill Clinton and Nelson
Mandela.
The new partnership means Ms Palaszczuk will appear at corporate
speaking engagements and potentially even sign a book deal.
Speaking with Sky News host Laura Jayes after the announcement, Mr
Markson praised the former Queensland leader as "very talented",
saying she has "great charisma, intelligence and she tells great
stories".
Mr Markson said he had no doubt the 54-year-old would be in demand
across Australia and he said he hoped she would be working at
international engagements as well.
"She should be working in other countries and hopefully we'll make
that happen," he said.
"I just think she's interesting and she's fascinating and that's what
will generate work for her.
"People definitely want to hear from her."
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