‘Listen to your body’: Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein returns to work after hospital scare, drops two portfolios

The Tasmanian Premier has returned to work after falling ill and ending up in hospital.

Peter 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 remain having 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.

The Premier said the new “appropriate” allocations would ensure the “important focus” the profiles required was continued.

He 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 that given the challenges ahead with Covid-19, I need to better balance my responsibilities moving forward.”

Jeremy Rockliff stood in as acting premier for Mr Gutwein while he was underwent tests and recovered from his illness.