Beattie - resignation one day - Trade Commissioner the next ...

It's been the main rumour for months - that Premier Beattie would resign and be given a government job in London.

Excerpt from Brisbane Times:

Is Beattie going to London?

10 September 2007

Retiring premier Peter Beattie says he is only thinking of a long holiday amid rumours he is considering taking a job in London.

Mr Beattie yesterday gave some idea of what his future career would not include.

He said he would not become a business or government lobbyist, but it remains unclear whether he would consider a position in London as Queensland's next Trade Commissioner and Agent General.

Several attempts to contact the current Trade Commissioner, John Dawson, in London last night were unsuccessful.

However, brisbanetimes.com.au understands Mr Dawson was to have retired on June 30 this year, but was persuaded to stay on for another three months.

If he finishes in the post on September 30, it would allow a virtually seamless transition for Mr Beattie into the job - a perfect fit for the former Premier, whose previous responsibilities also included Queensland's Trade portfolio.
...

"But you know I have very strong ethical standards. And it would be very difficult for me to take most jobs because frankly I would never use the knowledge that I have as Premier for personal gain," he said.

"I couldn't do it morally. I couldn't pick up the phone and call Anna Bligh or Robert Schwarten or Paul Lucas or Judy Spence or Desley Boyle.

"I just couldn't do it."

See - Beattie heads to London.

Sounds like 'I couldn't take advantage of my former position as Premier' is Beattiespeak for you'll have to keep me on the public purse and give me some plush job with long lunches ...