Premier Jeremy Rockliff will need to appoint a new health minister before parliament resumes, following Jacquie Petrusma’s resignation from her ministerial roles due to a serious hamstring injury.
The Franklin MP announced on Thursday she would not seek reappointment as Minister for Health, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs or Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
Petrusma said the injury requires extensive physical therapy, making it difficult to commit fully to the high demands of the portfolios.
“I have advised the premier that I will not be seeking reappointment as a minister at this point in time, due to not being able to give my portfolios the full amount of time they deserve,” she said.
“Unfortunately, due to a total avulsion of my right hamstrings, I need to undertake extensive physical therapy to completely restore my full range of motion, strength and function.”
Petrusma previously resigned from parliament entirely in July 2022 citing family reasons. She successfully returned at the 2024 election.
“I am deeply committed to representing the people of Franklin and I look forward to the return of parliament and continuing to serve Tasmanians in any capacity the premier chooses,” Petrusma said.
The premier is yet to announce who will take on the crucial health portfolio or whether a broader cabinet reshuffle is on the cards.
He and his new cabinet will be sworn in at Government House early next week.
