Mark McGowan resigns: Australia responds

Australia has reacted to the shocking resignation of Western Australian Prime Minister Mark McGowan, who announced on Monday that he would be stepping down at the end of the week.

McGowan cited exhaustion for his decision, which he said he considered “for quite some time” especially after the difficult “years with Covid”.

Political colleagues reacted online after he broke the news at a 2:45 pm EST press conference, with many sympathizing with the outgoing leader.

Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk called her counterpart a “strong leader”.

“Mark McGowan has worked tirelessly as Prime Minister of Western Australia. He has been a strong leader for his state, especially during the pandemic. It was a pleasure to work with Mark. Wishing him all the best in his next chapter,” she tweeted.

Tania Pliebersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, compared McGowan to a “political rock star”.

“No one loves and fights for Western Australia like Mark McGowan. Determined, progressive, hardworking and fair. A great leader who has much to be proud of. Walking down the street with him is like hanging out with a political rock star. Thank you Mark McGowan,” she tweeted.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten paid tribute to McGowan.

“Congratulations to my friend Mark McGowan – amazing opportunity. You left Washington in a better position than you found, that’s all you can ask,” he wrote.

Labor MP Stephen Jones also shared a kind message and conveyed his “best regards” to McGowan.

“Decent, hardworking and successful – Mark McGowan left a magnificent legacy and we are grateful for his service,” he tweeted.

Journalist Victoria Fielding called McGowan “an absolute legend”.

“Mark McGowan is an absolute legend. It withstood monumental political pressure to open Western Australia’s borders before it was safe to do so, but persevered, so Western Australia had the lowest death rate in Australia. I can imagine that he is exhausted. Sad to see him go but congratulations Mark on a job well done,” she wrote.

Perth Labor Party member Patrick Gorman said McGowan left behind “an incredible legacy”.

Thanks, Mark McGowan. He did so much for our state, our people and our party. I wish Mark, Sarah and their family all the best for the future,” he tweeted.

Among his accomplishments were “Metronet, One Vote, One Value, TAFE investments and returning Western Australia’s budget to surplus,” he added.

“He stood up to Clive Palmer and defended WA time and time again. I am grateful to Mark for supporting me and enjoying the campaign with him.”

Not everyone was enthusiastic about McGowan’s performance as prime minister, with some celebrating his resignation and criticizing his Covid policies.

Right libertarian John Ruddick MLC called him “nuts”.

“Don’t worry Mark McGowan… you will be back in the spotlight when we have a Royal Commission on Covid. Your crazy extremism will be scrutinized and publicly scrutinized,” he tweeted.

Originally published as Australia reacts to Mark McGowan’s resignation