The former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken a post-politics job on the board of Australia Post.
Palaszczuk was appointed by the Labor federal government to the $107,000-a-year post as a non-executive director of the national mail carrier.
She will serve a three-year term, replacing a Coalition appointment, the former Liberal party federal director Tony Nutt.
The announcement marks one of Palaszczuk’s first professional moves since standing down as premier in December, almost nine years after leading Labor to victory at the 2015 state election. She resigned from the state parliament soon after.
In a statement announcing Palaszczuk’s appointment, the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, said her experience leading a decentralised state, including managing logistics during the Covid pandemic, was “highly applicable” to Australia Post.
The postal service is undergoing significant reform, including ending daily letter deliveries, as it adapts to the long-term decline of traditional mail and having posted a first financial loss since 2015.
“Palaszczuk brings a wealth of experience in service delivery to regional and rural communities to the Australia Post board,” Rowland said. “Australia Post’s modernisation is critical to ensure it can invest to remain sustainable and continue to deliver for Australian communities over the longer term.
“Palaszczuk’s appointment ensures a strong and diverse board to support Australia Post on its modernisation journey. Our government is committed to ensuring that Australia Post remains an integral institution for all Australians.”
Palaszczuk was also announced in May as an international ambassador to the Smart Energy Council.
She is also reported to be writing a book about her time as Queensland premier.
