Tasmania's Liberal Premier Peter Gutwein is quitting politics, saying he has "emptied the tank" during two years of managing the COVID-19 pandemic response.
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Mr Gutwein, who led his party to a record third-straight state election win in May 2021, made the shock announcement on Monday afternoon.
"First and foremost I want to thank my family ... for their support and love. No premier does this job alone and my family has been outstanding in their support," he told reporters in Launceston.
"It's been an honour and a privilege to serve as Tasmania's 46th premier. However, the time is now right for me to move on."
Mr Gutwein, who is also state treasurer and minister for climate change and tourism, said he will remain as premier until the Liberals pick a new leader later this week.
He has served as premier since January 2020 when was elected by the Liberals to replace Will Hodgman, who quit the role mid-term.
"What I've found after the last two years, especially, is I have nothing left in the tank to give," Mr Gutwein said.
"During this time I have quite rightly focused on everyone else's family. I now want to spend some time focusing on my own.
"Unless you can give 110 per cent to the role of premier, you shouldn't be doing this job. I can no longer give 110 per cent."
Mr Gutwein, a father of two, was elected to parliament in the northern seat of Bass in 2002. A recount will be held to determine his replacement.
State parliament, which was due to sit next week, will be prorogued until after Easter, he said.
Mr Gutwein said he had been thinking about leaving politics for a couple of weeks, saying the period following Christmas - not long after Tasmania reopened its borders - had drained him.
Mr Gutwein said the state is in "far better shape" than when the Liberals came to power in 2014.
His departure comes after former education minister Sarah Courtney quit politics in early February citing a desire to spend more time with her family.
Upper house member Jane Howlett stepped down from ministerial duties in late February following the death of her brother.
Mr Gutwein said their departure played no part in his decision.
"I've emptied the tank. I've given everything I possibly can," he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Gutwein did not put a foot wrong in his handling of the pandemic.
Tasmania was the first Australian jurisdiction to close its borders, in the early stages of COVID-19.
"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," Mr Morrison said.
"However, public life demands a great deal from all of us. Peter has come to the realisation that he has given it his all."
Labor Opposition Leader Rebecca White thanked Mr Gutwein for his service to the state and said he "governed through some of the most difficult times".
Mr Gutwein, a qualified black-belt instructor in taekwondo, said he had no jobs lined up and wanted to do "as little as possible for as long as possible".
Australian Associated Press
