Premier has given strong leadership to a smart state:AIG

“His legacy is a strong, diverse, entrepreneurial and outward looking state, which is well positioned for the future.

“During his time as Premier he has faced some difficult issues and has shown resilience.

“Looking back on his achievements as Premier, his Smart State vision stands out in particular, having redefined how Queensland presents itself to the rest of the country and the world.

“While Queensland is benefiting from a major resources boom, the Beattie Government has made significant inroads in diversifying the State’s economy to ensure a platform of sustainable economic growth.

“The Government’s efforts in the areas of infrastructure and education and training have served to further consolidate Queensland’s economic position.

“The Beattie Government has had to deal with the challenge of enormous population growth, particularly in the South east corner, and major water shortages.  At the same time his successor will need to see through the massive upgrading of the state’s infrastructure from water to road, rail and ports throughout the state.

“Ai Group has worked very well with Peter Beattie and I’ve personally very much enjoyed and appreciated the relationship I have had with him.

“I wish Peter, his wife Heather and their family every success and happiness in their future endeavors.

“We look forward to working with his successor who is the first female Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh,”  Ridout said.

“As Treasurer and through her previous portfolios, Bligh has been impressive and has earned a lot of respect from business.

“I expect the new Premier will hit the ground running in her new role, and will maintain Queensland’s entrepreneurial approach which has served the state so well.

“She is well positioned to build on Queensland’s Smart State strategy which has helped attract the ‘right’ skills to the State and which has helped boost economic growth.

"The rollout of much needed infrastructure projects, maintaining a competitive tax regime and lowering the regulatory burden to give business a go, will need to be high priorities for the new Premier.

“As well, Ai Group is looking to the new Premier to work with the Commonwealth on making the Federation work better.  The latter will be a major challenge over the next few years if Queensland and indeed Australia’s future prosperity is to be secured.

 “I congratulate Anna on her appointment and wish her well,” Ridout said.