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BRISBANE - Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has announced his retirement from the state's top job, effective this Thursday.
Beattie said a new leader would be elected at a Labor caucus meeting tomorrow morning.
He said he had stayed on because he felt he had an obligation to Queenslanders. But now, he said, "I'm over it."
When asked if his resignation should send a signal to long-serving Prime Minister John Howard, Beattie said: "All I can say to you is that renewal is important.
"This is nothing new, I'm not trying to pick on John ... but renewal is important. Those parties that renew, survive.
"You've got to remember that government is more important than any individual and in my view the Labor Party is more important than any individual. My going at this time is good for Queensland."
He said he had stayed because he felt he had obligations to Queenslanders in relation to issues of health, the water grid and council amalgamations. He said the state would be in good hands under his deputy, Anna Bligh.
Beattie said he and wife Heather would take a long holiday and spend time with their three children before thinking about their future.
He said his mind had been made up on September 2 when he and his deputy had opened the first stage of the western recycled water pipeline.
"The real tipping point was the opening of the first stage of the water grid when I knew we had actually got the recycled water," Beattie said. "I haven't been perfect as you all know, I've made my share of mistakes and when we have I've tried to admit them and get on with it.
"I would just ask Queenslanders for this little thing, that I be remembered simply for doing my best. Sometimes it was good enough, sometimes it wasn't good enough but I always did my best."
He said his only great regret about politics was "not being with my family a lot more".
Dr Heather Beattie, who joined him at the media conference alongside son Matthew, said she believed her husband had done well.
"The thing that has made this whole journey enjoyable has been Queenslanders, and meeting Queenslanders ... that's been a real honour and something we will always remember," she said.
"There's been some very special, funny moments along the way, and some sad moments too. I would like to thank them for the privilege."
Peter Beattie went on to say: "There are many things about the American system that I disagree with and there are many things I agree with. That is, I like their two fixed terms of four years which means leaders stay around about eight years. As you know I've been premier for over nine."
He said there were a "few" tears when he announced his resignation at yesterday's Cabinet meeting.
"I have to admit I plead guilty to that too. It was an emotional time for me. Today's Cabinet meeting was one of those things that leaders dream of. To go at a time when the polls are very good for the government, a lot of the challenges have been dealt with, it's a great honour."
- AAP
