HOSPITALISED PREMIER ‘HIT THE WALL’

TASMANIAN Premier Peter Gutwein has returned to work after a stint in hospital.

Mr Gutwein, 56, was hospitalised with a mystery illness after he became unwell at work last Monday.

He returned to work over the weekend and announced he would “realign his responsibilities” for at least the next 12 months, dropping two of his ministerial portfolios.

Mr Gutwein will retain overall responsibility for the state’s Covid-19 response and continue to manage the Treasury portfolio.

But Environment Minister Roger Jaensch will now take on the climate change portfolio, while Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney will oversee tourism.

Mr Gutwein said he had worked 46 consecutive days and “hit the wall”, making him “quite unwell”.

“This past week I have learned just how important it is to listen to your body … I wasn’t,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly been a very challenging time and our priority since the start of Covid-19 has been to keep Tasmanians safe and secure.

“The events of the past week have sent me a clear message ... I need to better balance my responsibilities moving forward.”