Premier Beattie - getting out before the lights go out ...

Remember post-2006 election, when Premier Beattie said he would contest the next state election (due by late 2009)?

Seems that's all off.

He's telling the Bulletin this week that he's out of Qld as soon as it looks like Anna can complete the SEQ water grid - although, at the pace she's going (laying and re-laying pipes), he may be around for quite some time ...

Excerpt from the Courier Mail:

Beattie flags retirement

23 May 20078

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has given a strong indication he may leave politics after the state's major new water infrastructure is in place.

Mr Beattie told The Bulletin magazine his deputy, Anna Bligh, was now ready to head the Government, but that he was reluctant to hand over the reins until the water grid was in place.

"I think she's ready to be premier, but I'm not ready to leave," Mr Beattie said.

"I don't want to stay forever and one day she'll be premier."

"We've got challenges to deal with ... and I want to make sure they're bedded down before I go anywhere."

"You don't leave your successor in the poo. I want to make sure the water grid is at a stage where the settings are put to bed on it."

The multi-billion dollar water grid - which involves a desalination plant, recycled water pipelines and water treatment plants - is due for completion late next year.
...

See - Beattie backflips on contesting next State election.