Australia’s longest serving female premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been appointed as a non-executive Director to the Australia Post Board for a three-year term to guide the modernisation of the Commonwealth-own corporation.

Ms Palaszczuk, who was Queensland Premier from 2015 to 2023, brings extensive knowledge of government relations, Communications minister Michelle Rowland said in a statement.

She said the former Premier had previously worked constructively with states, territories and local councils to service delivery to regional and rural communities, and has experience in transformation and logistics as Queensland Premier during COVID.

“Ms Palaszczuk brings a wealth of experience in service delivery to regional and rural communities to the Australia Post Board,” Ms Rowland said.

“Australia Post’s modernisation is critical to ensure it can invest to remain sustainable and continue to deliver for Australian communities over the longer term.”

Ms Palaszczuk, who will receive an annual fee in excess of $100,000, fills the vacancy left by Mr Tony Nutt after two terms as a non-executive director.

She announced her resignation as premier in December 2023, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing her as a Labor hero and a champion for Queenslanders.