Peter Gutwein leaves public life with gratitude and great respect.
As Premier since 2020, he led Tasmania through a once-in-a-century pandemic. 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.
His contributions to the National Cabinet have been invaluable.
As Prime Minister and beforehand as Treasurer, I have always respected the way Peter has demonstrated strength and compassion in his leadership, delivering jobs and lifting communities. He is a great Tasmanian leader.
However, public life demands a great deal from all of us. Peter has come to the realisation that he has given it his all. Not only a public figure, Peter is a husband and father as well and he knows where he has to be.
I thank Peter for everything he has done for the Liberal Party, Tasmania and Australia - and on behalf of his federal colleagues, I wish him and his wife Mandy, and children Finn and Millie, all the best for the next chapter in their life together.
