Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s book tour is on hold after her partner was charged with rape.
Ms Palaszczuk was due to speak at an “author talk” about her book The Politics of Being Me
in Maryborough, on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, on Thursday, but it has been postponed.
The Courier Mail reported attendees of another event in Canberra on May 13 were told via email that it had also been cancelled.
“We regret to inform you that Meet the author – Annastacia Palaszczuk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances,” the ANU Events email stated.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We hope to see you again at our next event.”
Ms Palaszczuk’s publicist Max Markson confirmed the tour would be postponed.
“We will be postponing media interviews and some events that were locked in to talk about Annastacia Palaszczuk’s book, The Politics of Being Me, until an appropriate time in the future,” he said.
Her partner, Reza Adib, 65, was last week charged with three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty and one count of sexual assault last week and will front court on May 14.
In a statement issued on May 1, Dr Adib’s lawyer Dan Rogers said his client was “shocked about the allegations made about him and is taking the matter very seriously”.
“Like all persons accused of a crime, he is presumed to be innocent and intends to vigorously defend the charges,” Mr Rogers said.
“Right now, Dr Adib is primarily concerned about the welfare of his family and his patients and he will do whatever it takes to ensure that they are looked after in the coming weeks.
“Dr Adib asks that the media respect the privacy of his family and his patients at this difficult time.
“Dr Adib will not be making any comment about the matters while they are before the courts.”
Ms Palaszczuk has nothing to do with the allegations.
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