QUEENSLAND ATTORNEY-GENERAL RESIGNS
Published Wednesday, 18 October, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Premier Peter Beattie announced this morning that Queensland Attorney-General Linda Lavarch had resigned due to ill health.
Mr Beattie said he was saddened by the decision and wished Ms Lavarch well for a full recovery.
“I met with Linda this morning and she tendered her resignation as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Women effective immediately,” Mr Beattie said.
“At this meeting I received a letter from her doctor which informed me that Linda was suffering from a serious medical disorder – a Major Depressive Episode.
“Linda indicated that as a result of her condition she felt she could no longer meet the demands of both her role as a Minister and as the local Member for Kurwongbah while battling this serious illness.
“Linda will take a period of leave, return to the backbench and continue to serve the community in her role as a local Member.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her for a full and speedy recovery.”
Mr Beattie said there was a growing awareness of depression as a serious mental health problem in the community.
“It is estimated that one in five people experience depression at some stage in their lives,” Mr Beattie said.
“Earlier this year the Western Australian Premier Geoff Gallop revealed he suffered from depression and resigned.
“Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett has also previously detailed his experience with depression and his wonderful work with the ‘beyondblue’ organisation has helped raised the profile of this illness.
“It is a condition that does not discriminate – it can affect anyone in the community.”
Linda Lavarch was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 1997. Prior to entering Parliament she was a solicitor holding a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
In July 2005 Linda was promoted to the Queensland Cabinet as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
“Linda was the first woman Attorney-General in the history of the Queensland Parliament,” Mr Beattie said.
“I think she has done a terrific job.
“Linda is an intelligent and compassionate woman who has performed admirably in her role and I hope that one day she can resume her ministerial career.”
Mr Beattie said the Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts, Rod Welford would become acting Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Women until a permanent replacement was determined at Caucus on October 30th.
Mr Welford previously served as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice from 2001 to 2005.
18 October, 2006
Media contact: 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said he was saddened by the decision and wished Ms Lavarch well for a full recovery.
“I met with Linda this morning and she tendered her resignation as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Women effective immediately,” Mr Beattie said.
“At this meeting I received a letter from her doctor which informed me that Linda was suffering from a serious medical disorder – a Major Depressive Episode.
“Linda indicated that as a result of her condition she felt she could no longer meet the demands of both her role as a Minister and as the local Member for Kurwongbah while battling this serious illness.
“Linda will take a period of leave, return to the backbench and continue to serve the community in her role as a local Member.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her for a full and speedy recovery.”
Mr Beattie said there was a growing awareness of depression as a serious mental health problem in the community.
“It is estimated that one in five people experience depression at some stage in their lives,” Mr Beattie said.
“Earlier this year the Western Australian Premier Geoff Gallop revealed he suffered from depression and resigned.
“Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett has also previously detailed his experience with depression and his wonderful work with the ‘beyondblue’ organisation has helped raised the profile of this illness.
“It is a condition that does not discriminate – it can affect anyone in the community.”
Linda Lavarch was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 1997. Prior to entering Parliament she was a solicitor holding a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
In July 2005 Linda was promoted to the Queensland Cabinet as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
“Linda was the first woman Attorney-General in the history of the Queensland Parliament,” Mr Beattie said.
“I think she has done a terrific job.
“Linda is an intelligent and compassionate woman who has performed admirably in her role and I hope that one day she can resume her ministerial career.”
Mr Beattie said the Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts, Rod Welford would become acting Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Women until a permanent replacement was determined at Caucus on October 30th.
Mr Welford previously served as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice from 2001 to 2005.
18 October, 2006
Media contact: 3224 4500