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Annastacia Palaszczuk: The Politics of Being Me, from the former Premier of Queensland
A powerful story of resilience, leadership and staying true to yourself.
Annastacia Palaszczuk made history when she became the first woman to win the premiership of Queensland from opposition. She made history again when she became the first female premier in the nation to secure three consecutive terms. But her journey to the top was anything but easy.
She defied every stereotype of a political leader - her name was hard to pronounce, she came from Brisbane's hard-scrabble suburbs, she lacked 'polish', she wasn't a man.
Yet, against the odds, she rose to become Australia's longest-serving female premier, steering Queensland through monumental challenges like the global COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating 2022 floods, and the triumphant bid to host the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
In Annastacia The Politics of Being Me, Annastacia shares her remarkable story with warmth and honesty. She takes readers behind the scenes of her political triumphs and personal struggles, from the relentless scrutiny of public life to her deeply personal battle with IVF. Through it all, she reflects on the sacrifices, resilience and unwavering sense of purpose it takes to lead while staying true to yourself.
It's a story for anyone who's ever been told they couldn't - and proved everyone wrong.
Annastacia Palaszczuk made history when she became the first woman to win the premiership of Queensland from opposition. She made history again when she became the first female premier in the nation to secure three consecutive terms. But her journey to the top was anything but easy.
She defied every stereotype of a political leader - her name was hard to pronounce, she came from Brisbane's hard-scrabble suburbs, she lacked 'polish', she wasn't a man.
Yet, against the odds, she rose to become Australia's longest-serving female premier, steering Queensland through monumental challenges like the global COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating 2022 floods, and the triumphant bid to host the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
In Annastacia The Politics of Being Me, Annastacia shares her remarkable story with warmth and honesty. She takes readers behind the scenes of her political triumphs and personal struggles, from the relentless scrutiny of public life to her deeply personal battle with IVF. Through it all, she reflects on the sacrifices, resilience and unwavering sense of purpose it takes to lead while staying true to yourself.
It's a story for anyone who's ever been told they couldn't - and proved everyone wrong.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 8, 2026
Annastacia's biography is a lot lighter than Keating, Gillard's or (no surprises) Rudd's biography. But perhaps that is its charm - anybody could pick it up and find something of value to appreciate.
Two things stood out to me. Firstly, Annastacia's focus on economic development as a source of long-term infrastructure and growth in the state. Despite the LNP's "decade of decline" slogan they yell in parliament every three seconds, the investment in the Gold Coast's film industry, regional development, tourism and the pivot to renewable energy are all notable sources of achievement for a centre left government.
Second was her vulnerability, and in particular her struggle with IVF. I thought it was very brave of Queensland's second female premier to be so open about her struggles. It encourages the conversation around health to be one shared between both genders.
Overall, a solid easy read, all be it a bit light at times - but would recommend.
Two things stood out to me. Firstly, Annastacia's focus on economic development as a source of long-term infrastructure and growth in the state. Despite the LNP's "decade of decline" slogan they yell in parliament every three seconds, the investment in the Gold Coast's film industry, regional development, tourism and the pivot to renewable energy are all notable sources of achievement for a centre left government.
Second was her vulnerability, and in particular her struggle with IVF. I thought it was very brave of Queensland's second female premier to be so open about her struggles. It encourages the conversation around health to be one shared between both genders.
Overall, a solid easy read, all be it a bit light at times - but would recommend.
April 30, 2026
if I was a fan and supporter before, I am even more so now.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has always been someone I greatly admired. I had no idea just how incredible a woman she was. A fantastic read and very interesting to read about COVID etc from the side (being the one making the calls). We truly had one amazing leader, Queensland. May we one day see her like again and may we deserve them.
Annastacia Palaszczuk has always been someone I greatly admired. I had no idea just how incredible a woman she was. A fantastic read and very interesting to read about COVID etc from the side (being the one making the calls). We truly had one amazing leader, Queensland. May we one day see her like again and may we deserve them.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews